Cameron Wood Biography

Cameron Wood retires after 88 games for three clubs.

Blues rookie Cameron Wood re-signs with Carlton for another two years.

"Cameron had a great finish to the season and played a number of senior games off the rookie list," Blues football manager Andrew McKay said.

"We're confident he will keep improving and we're delighted he will be with us for the next two years."

Cameron Wood has come from the clouds to play his first game this season in a shock selection move ahead of Friday night's clash against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The Blues have selected the former Collingwood big man, who has spent 2014 in the VFL, dropping Robert Warnock after he was convincingly beaten by Sydney Swans opponent Mike Pyke in round 17.

Carlton rookie Cameron Wood says he hopes to press his case for a significant role in the ruck for the Blues in 2014.

"I'm under no illusions that I've probably been recruited as insurance," Wood said.

"But having said that, if I didn't think I was able to play the number one ruck role I wouldn't waste people's time and just be here for the sake of being here. And obviously Mick and the coaching staff wouldn't recruit me if they didn't think I could play AFL next year.

"To play one game would be amazing, but I don't think there's anything stopping me from playing a lot more."

Cameron Wood is thrown a lifeline by his former coach Mick Malthouse after the Blues select the ruckman in the 2013 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

Richmond invites delisted ruckmen Cameron Wood and Orren Stephenson to train at Punt Road while also seeking permission for former Gold Coast midfielder Josh Toy.

Collingwood delists Cameron Wood, Simon Buckley, Kirk Ugle, Luke Rounds and Jonathon Ceglar as part of its list overhaul.

"All of the boys did what they could to give themselves a chance and they were good people to have around the club," Collingwood director of football Geoff Walsh said.

"People don't always see what sacrifices are made to try to forge an AFL career. We thank all of them for that effort and wish them well."

Cameron Wood's future remains clouded with the ruckman waiting until next week to learn Collingwood's plans for him.

He had opportunities and didn't grab them, and his form at times in the seconds was poor," Collingwood football and coaching strategist Rodney Eade said.

"He's got some good attributes, he's good at his craft, a good tap and a beautiful kick; he just needs to get that consistency at work rate."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says ruckman Cameron Wood has turned around his life and his career by becoming more committed after struggling to hold his spot against teammates Darren Jolly and the now-retired Leigh Brown in the past.

"We had discussions early last year and he's picked up off the back of that and really made some changes in his life," Buckley said.

"It's great to see a young person understand the situation they're in, and not expect things are just going to change without their will and their actions, and he's been able to do that."

Cameron Wood is desperate to finally cement himself as a permanent member of Collingwood's senior team.

"This year with Leigh moving on, there's a spot up for grabs but there's also Jarrod Witts in his first season, and Jonathon Ceglar's improving a lot as well, and then there's Shae McNamara, who is thereabouts as well," Wood said.

"There's a lot of healthy competition between the ruckmen who are vying for the second string under Darren [Jolly], and having said that, all of us are trying to take the No.1 spot as well.

"I know the opportunity is in front of me and it's up to me to grab it with both hands."

Collingwood ruckman Cameron Wood will be sidelined for the next six weeks after undergoing surgery to his left ring finger which he injured during the Magpies' NAB Challenge win over Adelaide in Alice Springs.

Magpie ruckman Cameron Wood says he and Josh Fraser can play together and thrive as Collingwood shape up for a showdown with Geelong in the preliminary final.

Wood was a replacement for Fraser in a semi-final against Adelaide after the latter was struggling with a knee injury.

"I think we can make a good combination, it's just the consistency of playing together which we've probably lacked a little bit," Wood said.

"We've probably played two games together, then been apart, then played another one here and there. So if we can string a few together I think we can make a good combo."

Former Lion Cameron Wood's departure to Collingwood has allowed Mitchell Clark to shine in the ruck for Brisbane.

"He was up here for a few years and it was sad to see him go," Clark said.

"I suppose I see myself as more of a forward and at the moment I'm just developing my game in the ruck, whether that continues on in the years to come who knows."