Cameron McNeil Celebrates Game 150!!

For more than a decade, Cameron McNeil has embodied everything the Uni Blacks strive to be: selfless, resilient, tough and relentlessly team-first. If you looked up determination in the dictionary, there’s every chance Cameron McNeil would be staring back at you, we celebrate the great man on the eve of his 150th game for the club this weekend. 

Hailing from Sandhurst Football Netball Club via St Hilda's College, Cameron followed in the footsteps of older brother Trent when he arrived at the Blacks in 2013. A decision that would become the beginning of a remarkable 150-game journey in black and blue.

Debuting in the Under 19s that season, Cameron quickly progressed into the Phoenix in 2014, where he played an important role in a side that charged all the way to a Grand Final appearance. From the outset, his versatility and team-first attitude became trademarks of his game.

Known for his elite running capacity, fuelled in no small part by his love of a pre-training Prinny lap, Cameron has built a reputation for relentless work rate, penetrating bullet-like ball use and genuine courage around the contest. Teammates and supporters alike have lost count of the times he has been absolutely crunched in a pack or flattened by a heavy bump, only to bounce straight back to his feet as though nothing had happened. It’s that fearless approach and durability that earned him the fitting nickname: “Cameron McSteel.”

Originally developing his craft across the backline, Cameron’s evolution over the years saw him move onto the wing and through the midfield, where his running power and work rate became major weapons. In more recent seasons, the self-proclaimed reality of “not being able to keep up with the young blokes on the wing anymore” has seen McSteel reinvent himself once again as a reliable back pocket but still bringing the same toughness and composure that have defined his career.

Among the many memorable moments across his 150 games, few stand taller than the clash against rivals Old Xavs when, after returning from the bench, Cameron intercepted the ball just outside 50 on the wing, played on instinctively and drilled his first goal of the season, before backing it up with a snag just moments later in a sequence that perfectly captured the energy and excitement he brings to the side.

As the years progressed, Cameron became far more than just an important player on the field. A longstanding member of the leadership group, he has helped set the standards for the Phoenix through his professionalism, consistency and care for teammates. Whether it was leading warm-ups at training, taking charge of game day preparation - or simply setting the tone with his actions, Cameron has been a central figure in the culture of the program.

His outstanding 2024 season was rewarded with the club’s Best and Fairest, recognition for a year in which his leadership and reliability remained as important as ever. And while the body may not quite cover the wing like it once did, the competitive spirit certainly hasn’t faded, even if, as the oldest player on the Phoenix mystery bus last year, he did famously fall asleep and miss an entire stop along the way.

So this Saturday (9.20am at Crawford Oval), get down and celebrate an incredible 150-game milestone for one of the true heart-and-soul figures of the Phoenix. From the wing to the back pocket, from Under 19s prospect to “McSteel,” Cameron McNeil’s career has been built on toughness, leadership and an unwavering commitment to the black and blue.

Be there to recognise a player who has given absolutely everything to the club across more than a decade and who somehow still keeps bouncing back up. Let's hear more from McSteel below in his Q & A. 

- Sam Lane  (former teammate & Phoenix coach), Josh Leviston (current teammate & Phoenix co-coach) & Nick Powell (current teammate & Phoenix co-coach).

How did you end up at the Club?
Moving to Melbourne from Bendigo in 2013 and living at St Hilda's college, the choice was either the Blacks or the Blues. My brother had been playing clubbies and Phoenix for the Blacks and brought me down to join the U19 campaign.

What is it that you love about the Uni Blacks?
The comradery and mateship that exists within each team and the club as a whole, both on field and off field. Its a special bunch of blokes, some that you only see for a year or two but become mates for life.

Any standout/strange memories from your time in the Phoenix?
The standout memories over the years is the never say die attitude the Phoenix carries. Even in the cold of winter we take the fight to every team knowing we always have a sniff. A particular standout memories are a Harry Ukich point after the siren to win a hard fought game. There's not too many strange memories from the Phoenix, just some slightly strange individuals that have been through the team over the years.

Favourite player to watch when growing up?
Supporting Essendon growing up my favourite players were the trio of Hird, Lloyd and Fletcher. I wasn't known to be a forward, didn't have an engine to yet to run the mid, so tried to craft my footy after Fletcher and follow his reliable down back traits.

Who has had the most influence on your career?
My parents, especially Dad. They have been around through all my years of footy, supporting from the sidelines as much as they can and giving all the encouragement you could ask for. Even now at after 14 years of Blacks footy, in game 149 Dad was there giving his sideline insights and tips that worked for him playing country footy 40 years ago.

Favourite Phoenix Mystery Bus story?
Memory is a bit vague from a number of Mystery Buses, but I've always been told each one has been a quality night. Whether it is Tank coming on the bus the same day he broke his collarbone, accidently leaving people behind at pubs in the middle of nowhere or some questionable stories coming out on the bus, there is always something that is talked about for years to follow and a 'you just had to be there but look forward to this years' mentality.

Favourite teammate?
With so many teammates over the 14 years I've been with the club its hard to narrow it down. To pick one it would have to be Cal Farrell. I have never seen someone so dedicated to the team both on and off the field, injury prone but bringing a positive outlook on every game that we roll into. His footy knowledge is elite, he's a top bloke and I would say he still thinks he can take the big high flying pack mark even though he never managed to take one.

If you could teleport anywhere in the world right now and holiday for a week, where would it be?
After a stint in Europe after the end of last season, I would love to be back in the Amalfi Coast away from the cold of Melbourne, sitting on a hot sunny beach, sipping cocktails all days, eating way to much pasta and soaking in the good times with my Fiance.

What is your ideal way to spend a Sunday off following a game, before heading back to the grind of a work week during the season?
A sleep in followed by a cooked breakfast and coffee and a slow start to the day as the body warms up from the beating it took on Saturday. This is followed by a gentle walk or watching TV on the couch with my partner and cat before watching just one more game of footy