IT WAS a return year for Adam Cerra.
For the second time in three years, Carlton’s No.5 was leading the John Nicholls Medal count at the pointy end of the season before a short-term injury in the final month saw him fade away.
On Sunday night, he dropped behind great mate George Hewett as well as co-vice captain Jacob Weitering, but still managed to finish on the podium for the first time after featuring in the first 19 games of the year.
For Cerra, whose 13 games in 2024 also including three occasions where he was subbed out, the off-season work he put on to give himself the best chance to pull on the Navy Blue paid dividends.
“After a frustrating year last year, I just wanted to get on the park. To almost get a full season, I think I took a step in the right direction and got on top of a lot of issues I was having,” Cerra said at Crown Palladium.
“‘Crippa’ and ‘Vossy’ put it really well before: we take full ownership [for the year] and won’t sugarcoat it. We’ve got the responsibility of representing Carlton and wearing the jumper… we let ourselves down, let down the fans.
“It’s lit the fire in the belly.”
Cerra also recommitted to Carlton long-term in 2025, penning a five-year contract extension - it’s a place where he “belonged straight away” after his arrival in the 2021 trade period.
Turning 25 today, he wants to be a key part of what the Blues are looking to build despite a difficult year.
“There’s no other group I want to be part of and grow into the future with, I can’t wait for what the future holds.
“To the fans, we’re so lucky to be able to play in front of such big crowds week in and week out. We don’t take it for granted - the louder you guys are, the better we play. I can’t wait to get back out in front of you next year.”
