Robert Campbell (Australian rules footballer)

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

Robert Campbell
File:Aussie rules football player copy.jpg 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)
Draft	No. 75, 2011 Rookie Draft, Melbourne
Height/Weight	199 cm / 125 kg
Position(s)	Ruckman
Playing career1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
2002–2009 2011	Hawthorn Melbourne	116 (25) 0 (0)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2011 season.
Career highlights
Hawthorn premiership player 2008

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.

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.[1] In 2007 & 2008, Campbell and Hawks teammate Sam Mitchell were rated the highest ruck to rover combination in the AFL.

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 girlfriend 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, Stefan Martin and Max Gawn, Campbell was unable to break into Melbourne's senior team. As a result, he retired at the end of the season.

Statistics

Season	Team	#	Games	D	K	H	M	T	H/O	G	B	D	K	H	M	T	H/O	G	B
			Totals									Averages (per game)
2002	Hawthorn	39	7	46	27	19	14	24	60	0	0	6.6	3.9	2.7	2.0	3.4	8.6	0.0	0.0
2003	Hawthorn	39	10	53	29	24	16	23	130	0	1	5.3	2.9	2.4	1.6	2.3	13.0	0.0	0.1
2004	Hawthorn	39	14	68	28	40	17	24	121	1	0	4.9	2.0	2.9	1.2	1.7	8.6	0.1	0.0
2005	Hawthorn	39	1	4	1	3	0	4	18	0	0	4.0	1.0	3.0	0.0	4.0	18.0	0.0	0.0
2006	Hawthorn	39	22	230	82	148	75	56	300	10	6	10.5	3.7	6.7	3.4	2.5	13.6	0.5	0.3
2007	Hawthorn	39	24	243	70	173	71	54	385	6	2	10.1	2.9	7.2	3.0	2.3	16.0	0.3	0.1
2008	Hawthorn	39	24	253	93	160	84	55	358	7	1	10.5	3.9	6.7	3.5	2.3	14.9	0.3	0.0
2009	Hawthorn	39	14	136	38	98	35	23	94	1	0	9.7	2.7	7.0	2.5	1.6	6.7	0.1	0.0
2011	Melbourne	26	0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Career			116	1033	368	665	312	263	1466	25	10	8.9	3.2	5.7	2.7	2.3	12.6	0.2	0.1

External links

• Robert Campbell's statistics from AFL Tables
• Robert Campbell profile