CHARLIE Cameron says his move to the Lions isn’t just a homecoming but also an escape from the relentless scrutiny his former team the Crows receive in footy mad Adelaide.

The 23-year-old was born in Mt Isa, spent his early years on Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria and went to school at Marist Brothers Ashgrove.

Adelaide was a footy bubble he never quite adapted too, despite developing a reputation as one of the AFL’s most exciting young players and being one of the Crows’ better players in their grand final loss to Richmond.

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The Lions worked out how comfortable he felt in Brisbane when he produced one of the best of his 73 games for the Crows at the Gabba in Round 9 when he booted four goals and dragged down one of the best marks seen at the ground for the year.

“I came back for holidays all the time, but it is good to be back permanently with family and friends,’’ he said.

Charlie Cameron hit the track with the Brisbane Lions on Monday. Picture: AAP Images Source: AAP

“Being in Adelaide it is footy central whereas here it is more rugby league, so I guess it is a bit of an escape.

“Adelaide, it is just footy, footy, footy, here there isn’t as much talk about it and you can get away and enjoy yourself a bit more and not have to think about footy all the time.

“I guess if you think about it all the time it can play on you, I had that a little bit in Adelaide, so I am going to enjoy the change.’’

The Lions parted with pick 12 in Friday’s draft to secure Cameron and although he may have escaped some media scrutiny, the expectations are still high from Brisbane and their fans.

He said he hasn’t thought too much about the greater responsibility he will assume for the wooden spooners but revealed his goal was to push up to play more on the wing.

“I am just looking to play my role for the team and hopefully that can lead to a few more wins,’’ he said.

“But we are a team and you can’t rely too much on one person.

“I’m happy to play wherever the coach wants me but I am trying to build my engine so I can play a bit more time up on the wing.’’