Robert Campbell (Australian rules footballer)

Robert "Robbie" Campbell (born 2 June 1982) is an Australian rules footballer who finished playing for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). At 200 cm tall, he made his AFL debut with the Hawthorn Hawks in 2002. After appearing sporadically in his first few seasons, Campbell starred in 2006 with 230 disposals and 300 hit outs, playing in each of the club's 22 games.

For other people named Robert Campbell, see Robert Campbell (disambiguation).

Robert Campbell
Robert Campbell playing for Hawthorn on 5 August 2008
Personal information
Full name Robert Campbell
Date of birth (1982-06-02) 2 June 1982
Original team(s) Murray Bushrangers (TAC Cup)
Rutherglen (Juniors)
Draft No. 75, 2011 Rookie Draft, Melbourne
Height 199 cm (6 ft 6 in)
Weight 125 kg (276 lb)
Position(s) Ruckman
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2002–2009 Hawthorn 116 (25)
2011 Melbourne 0 (0)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2011.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

In 2007, he became the Hawks' number one ruckman after Peter Everitt's departure to the Sydney Swans. He played in every game for the season, including two finals appearances.

Campbell has a reputation for providing value around the ground with his strength and tenacious attitude. Campbell was rewarded for his efforts with a Premiership medallion after the Hawks upset Geelong in the 2008 Grand Final.

In percentage terms, no other AFL ruckman hits the ball to the advantage of his on-ballers more often than Campbell according to jini.

He has evolved into one of the competition’s most durable and reliable ruckmen, missing only one of the Hawks' past 71 matches. He was first for Hawthorn's hit-outs last season, averaging about 15 a match. Tough competitor who handles the ball well for his size, tackles ferociously and can fill key-position roles when needed. He finished 13th in the Best & Fairest Award (Peter Crimmins Medal) in 2007 & 2008.

Highly underrated in the AFL, Campbell got the job done for the Hawks and was a crucial part of the Premiership side, as the number one ruckman at the Hawks.

Draft History: 2001 Rookie Elevation (Hawthorn).

Retirement

Robbie announced his retirement at the 2009 Hawthorn Peter Crimmins Medal Count on 3 October due to a knee injury. A tearful Campbell thanked fans, players, his family and coaching staff in a heartfelt speech.

Comeback

He returned to football in 2010 playing in finals and including 8 games for the Box Hill Hawks (VFL) after finding out his knee wasn't as bad as they first thought. Robert then stated he would like to make a comeback to AFL football and would enter the draft at the end of 2010.

Campbell was selected by the Melbourne Demons during round 5 at pick number 63 in the 2011 Rookie Draft. Due to Melbourne's strong ruck depth in 2011, notably Mark Jamar Campbell was unable to break into Melbourne's senior team. As a result, he retired at the end of the season.[1]

Statistics
[2]
Legend
 G  Goals  B  Behinds  K  Kicks  H  Handballs  D  Disposals  M  Marks  T  Tackles  H/O  Hit-outs
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T H/O G B K H D M T H/O
2002 Hawthorn 397002719461424600.00.03.92.76.62.03.48.6
2003 Hawthorn 39100129245316231300.00.12.92.45.31.62.313.0
2004 Hawthorn 39141028406817241210.10.02.02.94.91.21.78.6
2005 Hawthorn 3910013404180.00.01.03.04.00.04.018.0
2006 Hawthorn 39221068214823075563000.50.33.76.710.53.42.513.6
2007 Hawthorn 3924627017324371543850.30.12.97.210.13.02.316.0
2008 Hawthorn 3924719316025384553580.30.03.96.710.53.52.314.9
2009 Hawthorn 39141038981363523940.10.02.77.09.72.51.66.7
2011 Melbourne 260————————————————
Career 116 25 10 368 665 1033 312 263 1466 0.2 0.1 3.2 5.7 8.9 2.7 2.3 12.6

References
  1. Holmesby, Luke (19 October 2011). "Demons axe Maric, rookies". Australian Football League. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  2. "Robert Campbell". AFL Tables.
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