Giants' Jeremy Cameron backs increased funding to Footy Grant Program

So the thought of grassroots football clubs facing financial hardship and youth programs potentially shutting down, leaves the Giant concerned about the young players who may miss out.

That's why he's back St. George Bank's decision to double their funding for this year's Footy Grant Program to $200,000, a move aimed to provide finanical support to football communities hit hard by the coronavirus crisis.

Grants are available to grassroot clubs across Australia to help with funding, equipment, registration fee assistance and business support.

"We don't want these clubs to fully shut down and lose children throughout the pandemic," Cameron said.

"It's important grassroots football and sport is looked after, we need these guys thriving.

"It's an important time, especially for younger kids coming through the system. I got into football when I was six years old and I went through the Auskick programs, that's where I fell in love with the game to be honest.

"We've got to make sure we don't miss that opportunity, so it's fantastic St. George and the Giants have been able to help out in that way. It's important these kids get the help they need as we move forward together."

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AFL Canberra has suspended all football-related activity, including trial games, match play, club training, school events and Auskick, until at least May 31.

The AFL meanwhile is expected to announce a return date for the season resumption on May 11, almost two months after the competition was put on hold.

Cameron has been pursuing his second love of fishing during the coroanvirus shutdown, leaving time in his training schedule to take his boat out onto Sydney Harbour.

"Since I was a little boy, the two things I love is sport and the outdoors," Cameron said.

"The outdoors is a massive part of my life, but just mentally it's a huge relief for me to get out and do the things I love.

"I'm still able to go fishing as long as I adhere to social distancing rules. I can sneak out and have one person on board my boat or anyone I live with, my partner enjoys it as well.

"I think, more so, it's just getting out and feeling a bit of fresh air from time to time. We try and do that everyday, then mix in my training.

"We've got the garage set up as a gym and three times a week I do training with footys. That's basically what I've been doing in isolation, not too much but plenty of phone calls with the boys to make sure they're doing well."

The Giants have split the team into small groups to stay connected and keep eachother accountable. They also have a team meeting every Friday via digital channels to discuss training and updates on the season's return.

Players can only train in pairs and that number could be increased to 10 teammates by early next week following the release of the National Cabinet's three-step plan to get Australia going again.

But it's up to state and territory governments to determine how quickly each step will be introduced.

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