Lets Discuss - Tom Campbell

[GVGjr]

Campbell was playing at the Bendigo Bombers with Tory Dickson until the Bulldogs threw him a lifeline and offered him a position as a rookie.
After a strong performance in a pre-season game for the Dogs at Ballarat, Campbell proceeded to play some good football at Williamstown before eventually being promoted to the Bulldogs senior list and by the end of his first season Campbell had played 7 senior games.

This year he had some interruptions with injuries but once he returned to the senior list he had a significant impact as a forward who also provided some much needed relief in the ruck for Will Minson.
Campbell kicked goals, held his marks and really contributed to a rejuvenated forward line.

He has plenty of work to do to lift his fitness base because at times he appears to struggle to run out games. He also needs to improve his ruck work and mobility as he looks to become Minson's main back-up.

What does 2014 hold for Tom Campbell? With Crameri in the side can he hold down a spot in the forward line? Can he continue to improve?

I'd be interested in your thoughts

[always right]

Perhaps the biggest surprise packet of the season. Early on in the year you could write your own ticket as to whether big Tom had a long term career ahead of him. When given a senior opportunity he invariably looked all at sea, struggled to position himself properly and simply didn't look like getting the ball.

Fast forward to the second half of the season and he looked a completely different player. Agile for a big man with good pace and a thumping kick, Tom became a real target up forward and for the first time finally looked like he would mark the ball whenever the opportunity arose....largely because he was able to take front position and hold it. He's gone from the lumbering liability to the great white hope in the space of about four months!

To me Tom represents one of our most exciting propositions. Another pre-season will make that impressive frame even stronger and I expect continued improvement in his reading of the play and his marking which already showed improvement last season. Whilst Crameri is the gun recruit it may actually be Campbell who has the biggest impact on our forwardline. I can see him monstering some backmen next year and our other forwards will benefit hugely from the attention the opoosition will need to pay him. The fact he can give big Will a genuine chopout in the ruck makes him even more valuable. I have high hopes and expectations for him even though he is still young with a lot of development to come.

[soupman]

I was pretty unimpressed with him after the Richmond debacle, and had some serious doubts over his ability as in that game he did nothing, even when it came near him. I preferred Cordy's impact at that game which is really saying something as I don't rate Cordy as a forward.

His second half to the year was outstanding though in that not only did he perform well but he played a role which really positively influenced the way our forwardline operated. Finally we had somebody that was a marking threat from those aimless long bombs, and if he didn't mark it he was strong and smart enough not to be pushed aside and to still impact the contest. As a result even on his bad days I can see defenders being very conscious of his presence and I feel he will at least create chances for our smaller players like Dahlhaus, Hunter and the crumbing version of Grant.

This is why he still gets a spot up forward even with Crameri's inclusion, as nobody else in the squad offers the presence and long bomb target ability that Campbell does.

Plus he has good taste in music.

[westdog54]

Perhaps the biggest surprise packet of the season. Early on in the year you could write your own ticket as to whether big Tom had a long term career ahead of him. When given a senior opportunity he invariably looked all at sea, struggled to position himself properly and simply didn't look like getting the ball.



Thunder stolen. Massive surprise.

One of the smarter big men going around, and for a player who's only been at the elite level for two years his fitness is getting there. Another one or two preseasons and he would be cherry ripe for a long career.

Not the greatest forward of all time but his presence has improved the function of the forward line immeasurably, and with Crameri as another marking option you'd think that would benefit Tom greatly.

[bornadog]

I think Crameri will compliment Campbell and i don't see them competing for the same spot.

As others have said, he was very impressive in the second half of the year. When he couldn't take a mark, he was creating a goal with a quick tap or just making his presence felt.

Fitness and core strength is the key, but I wouldn't like to see him put on any weight as it may really slow him down.

[Mofra]

I still see him primarily as a work in progress and long term he still seems more fo a no 1 ruck for me, although he is slightly better forward than Minson.

Given the change in disposal efficiency towards the end of the season flattering our forwardline compared to the start of the year, the jury is still out his long term credentials as a forward for me.

At this stage he's on the fringe of our best 22, not overly surprised if he lines up round 1.

[always right]

I still see him primarily as a work in progress and long term he still seems more fo a no 1 ruck for me, although he is slightly better forward than Minson.

Given the change in disposal efficiency towards the end of the season flattering our forwardline compared to the start of the year, the jury is still out his long term credentials as a forward for me.

At this stage he's on the fringe of our best 22, not overly surprised if he lines up round 1.

Slightly better forward than Will? I think you are being kind to Will who has never been convincing up forward and gave me no confidence in the limited time he played there last season. In Campbell it was nice having someone in the goalsquare who actually looked like clunking one whenever the ball came up there.

[stefoid]

Hes an injury to Wilbur away from being our #1 ruck and may come in and out of the side as a full forward, depending on how the other forwards go with form and injuries.

Im happy for him to play at Footscray all year. He'll be a good player and his time will come.

[bulldogtragic]

Hes an injury to Wilbur away from being our #1 ruck and may come in and out of the side as a full forward, depending on how the other forwards go with form and injuries.

Im happy for him to play at Footscray all year. He'll be a good player and his time will come.
That's my concern. Wilbur is ruck plan A. Campbell is plan B. Ayce is plan C.

If we want to make him a FF, then we must get another ruckman. Ayce being number 1 ruck shouldn't be even considered at this stage.

[Mofra]

Slightly better forward than Will? I think you are being kind to Will who has never been convincing up forward and gave me no confidence in the limited time he played there last season. In Campbell it was nice having someone in the goalsquare who actually looked like clunking one whenever the ball came up there.
Based on a few games? I'd like to see more of a player before I make a call. Will has shown glimpses forward as much as Campbell, but nothing (in either) suggests long term forward to me just yet.

[LostDoggy]

Tom has played just 13 games, and in that time he has gone from a gangly ruckman with questionable fitness to a formidable forward who, at the very least, always gives a contest. Almost all of his possessions are contested. His marking has really come along - his work rate, positioning and protection of space were improving weekly at the end of the season. If he starts holding most of the marks he contests, and he contests plenty, he will be a massive worry for the opposition and one of the most prolific contested marks in the competition. With his thumping boot, he could kick quite a few goals once he really gets the hang of things. The other thing that endears him to us all is his hardness. He has never blinked - the goal post incident underlines that. And I remember his first game against Brisbane when Jonathan Brown ran through him as he waited, camped under a long bomb to their goal square. Should have been a free to Tom, but wasn't. Ash McGrath gave him one to the chops when he was on the ground, too. Tommy just got up, shook himself off and got on with it. I knew then that he was a hard bastard. Remember, he has played just 13 AFL games. He has a lot of learning to do. 2014 will show us further glimpses, and he will likely make more of the dumb mistakes he made this year, but look out in 2015 and beyond.

BTW, what do you know about his music taste, soupaman?

[Hotdog60]

If he make the transition to full forward he would be a imposing figure. Who would need Boyd.
Can Mooney take credit for the turn around in late season form. I would like to see Tom become a surprise packet and when he gets to 50 games he's a backmans nightmare and needs to be doubled teamed and the rest of our forwards go ballistic.

[soupman]

BTW, what do you know about his music taste, soupaman?

Saw him at two concerts, Northeast Party House at the corner and Radiohead at Rod Laver.

[Cyberdoggie]

I think Crameri will compliment Campbell and i don't see them competing for the same spot.

As others have said, he was very impressive in the second half of the year. When he couldn't take a mark, he was creating a goal with a quick tap or just making his presence felt.

Fitness and core strength is the key, but I wouldn't like to see him put on any weight as it may really slow him down.

I agree, he looks big and strong and has the appropriate weight for a ruckman but he still needs to improve on his core strength, or at least how to use it.

He is a lot better than Ayce but still needs to learn some forward craft and how to out think/out muscle his opponents.

He will get more attention next year and they will try and take his arms out but that will just play into Crameri's favour or our smalls.

Campbell was the key to our late season turn around and that is simply because he was able to provide a long marking target. His presence encourages faster ball movement up the field and quicker decision making. Without him we simply lack confidence kicking to Jones, Cordy or Grant as a pack marking target.

Going to be interesting to see how we combine Campbell, Crameri, Stringer, Jones, Grant, Cordy. You would think 3 at the same time max most likely.
Pre-season will certainly be competitive.

[always right]

Going to be interesting to see how we combine Campbell, Crameri, Stringer, Jones, Grant, Cordy. You would think 3 at the same time max most likely.
Pre-season will certainly be competitive.

Agree that only one of Cordy and Campbell (and Minson)can be in the forwardline at any one time but not sure we couldn't have one of them plus three of the others named considering they are all very mobile players. Said it before that as a group they present a scary matchup for opposition coaches with their height, strength and pace.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I wonder what Ernie thinks of him now? ;)

[Mofra]

Going to be interesting to see how we combine Campbell, Crameri, Stringer, Jones, Grant, Cordy. You would think 3 at the same time max most likely.
Pre-season will certainly be competitive.
I'm not sure Crameri, Grant & Stringer are competing with Campbell for a spot (Jones is a seperate category).

One of Campbell/Cordy (Campbell ahead so far)
Grant is quick enough to avoid making us "top heavy" (not really a term I like anyway).
Jones is in.
Crameri is best 22.
The final 2 spots of so (assuming midfield rotations) based on fitness will be from Gia (sub specialist), Hunter (also some success as the sub), Dickson, Smith (when fit), and one or more resting mids.

Have excluded Higgins & Williams.

[Greystache]

ICampbell was the key to our late season turn around and that is simply because he was able to provide a long marking target. His presence encourages faster ball movement up the field and quicker decision making. Without him we simply lack confidence kicking to Jones, Cordy or Grant as a pack marking target.

I totally agree with that and I think it's something that gets overlooked. Not only did he provide us a credible marking target, he directed the ball to smaller player when he couldn't mark, and if he couldn't impact the contest he made it a point to make heavy body contact with the opposition player in the prime position. All of that made our structure a lot more predictable to our mids and small forwards.



I wonder what Ernie thinks of him now? ;)

If I recall correctly he anointed him the next John Coleman. While I'm not sure he'll quite get to that level, he could develop into a very very important player. ;)

[bornadog]

I wonder what Ernie thinks of him now? ;)

Ernie/Chops was correct at the time - he was an inexperienced big guy and everyone was calling him our savoir. I am sure he would now say he has potential, but still has a long way to go.

[LostDoggy]

I'm not sure Crameri, Grant & Stringer are competing with Campbell for a spot (Jones is a seperate category).

One of Campbell/Cordy (Campbell ahead so far)
Grant is quick enough to avoid making us "top heavy" (not really a term I like anyway).
Jones is in.
Crameri is best 22.
The final 2 spots of so (assuming midfield rotations) based on fitness will be from Gia (sub specialist), Hunter (also some success as the sub), Dickson, Smith (when fit), and one or more resting mids.

Have excluded Higgins & Williams.

Agree with the above but fitness levels permitting I would see it as:

One of Campbell/Cordy (Campbell way ahead so far)
Grant is quick enough to avoid making us "top heavy" (not really a term I like anyway)/Jones fights for this spot pending Grants continuation of form
Crameri is best 22.
Stringer is in as much as fitness allows/Jones also fights for this spot
The final 2 spots of so (assuming midfield rotations) based on fitness will be from Gia (sub specialist), Hunter (also some success as the sub), Dickson, Smith (when fit), and one or more resting mids.

[bulldogtragic]

Agree with the above but fitness levels permitting I would see it as:

One of Campbell/Cordy (Campbell way ahead so far)
Grant is quick enough to avoid making us "top heavy" (not really a term I like anyway)/Jones fights for this spot pending Grants continuation of form
Crameri is best 22.
Stringer is in as much as fitness allows/Jones also fights for this spot
The final 2 spots of so (assuming midfield rotations) based on fitness will be from Gia (sub specialist), Hunter (also some success as the sub), Dickson, Smith (when fit), and one or more resting mids.
Higgins injured and Dahl playing mid field ;)

[Dazza]

Was impressed with him last year.

Took front spot and given his size most of the time he either held the mark or was given a free kick.

[LostDoggy]

I like the fact that he competes and attacks the ball with both arms. Cordy is like an old slot machine and Jones runs under it too much. Sauce is a big unit and plays like he knows it.

[LostDoggy]

Higgins injured and Dahl playing mid field ;)

Mind reader! :)

[Remi Moses]

Big guys always take time,and Tom's going to epitomise this.
Clunks a good grab and is mobile at ground level.
Deserved his chance and didn't disappoint

[stefoid]

That's my concern. Wilbur is ruck plan A. Campbell is plan B. Ayce is plan C.

If we want to make him a FF, then we must get another ruckman. Ayce being number 1 ruck shouldn't be even considered at this stage.

I don't think we do want to turn him into a permanent FF, but 2nd rucks these days need to be able to earn their keep up forward.

It might be nice if we had enough quality big men that Roughie could be the one to give Minson a chopout.

[Eastdog]

Bump. Do you guys see Tom as someone who can alternate between ruck and forward.

[LostDoggy]

Bump. Do you guys see Tom as someone who can alternate between ruck and forward.
I hope so, would be tough for opposition sides to match up on if you can have him and Boyd up there

[Eastdog]

I hope so, would be tough for opposition sides to match up on if you can have him and Boyd up there

I remember the Adelaide game at Etihad in Round 6 in that first quarter and he was very strong up there. Unfortunately it didn't continue and we lost that game.

[LostDoggy]

I remember the Adelaide game at Etihad in Round 6 in that first quarter and he was very strong up there. Unfortunately it didn't continue and we lost that game.
I remember that aswell, took a couple of contested marks and kicked one, could be mistaken there.he was subbed off just after half time didn't get a good run at it

[Avoid the rush]

I remember that aswell, took a couple of contested marks and kicked one, could be mistaken there.he was subbed off just after half time didn't get a good run at it

Was talking to our greatest ever ruckman earlier this year. He really rates 'BIG TOM'!!!.....as a ruckman

[Prince Imperial]

Was talking to our greatest ever ruckman earlier this year. He really rates 'BIG TOM'!!!.....as a ruckman

Nice to hear Nicholas Bruton's views...

I was a bit surprised to see Campbell mentioned in the Shape up or Ship out Thread. He's contracted to the end of 2016 and I think it's likely he will become a good ruckman at AFL level.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-02-07/dogs-resign-big-man

[Remi Moses]

I thought it was Grgic or john Taylor .
Still hold out hope Big Tom will get there

[F'scary]

Campbell is a genuine ruckman in terms of height and weight. Campbell has the tools for playing around the ground or in the forward line. I think he is average as a tap ruckman but will improve with more experience. He is reasonable with his bullocking work but could improve more here too (this is one of Minson's biggest strengths). Campbell is miles ahead of Ayce. He therefore deserves to be played as number 1 ruck in the VFL. If he shows sufficient form and Minson's AFL form is below par, time to give the Soup a go! If Minson's form is good and Campbell's form is good, we could investigate a team structure that includes them both. Perhaps Campbell in the FP changing ruck and Minson goes to the bench for 5 to 10 minutes per quarter.

[westdog54]

Campbell is a genuine ruckman in terms of height and weight. Campbell has the tools for playing around the ground or in the forward line. I think he is average as a tap ruckman but will improve with more experience. He is reasonable with his bullocking work but could improve more here too (this is one of Minson's biggest strengths). Campbell is miles ahead of Ayce. He therefore deserves to be played as number 1 ruck in the VFL. If he shows sufficient form and Minson's AFL form is below par, time to give the Soup a go! If Minson's form is good and Campbell's form is good, we could investigate a team structure that includes them both. Perhaps Campbell in the FP changing ruck and Minson goes to the bench for 5 to 10 minutes per quarter.

This is where it has been tricky. Minson is the superior ruckman but Campbell arguably offers more around the ground. If we can make this work it will be a massive boost both to the team and Campbell's development going forward.

[Axe Man]

Perhaps Campbell in the FP changing ruck and Minson goes to the bench for 5 to 10 minutes per quarter.

Perhaps 5 minutes a quarter but you can't have a ruckman sit on the bench for 10 minutes each quarter - it would compromise the midfield rotations to far too great an extent.

[F'scary]

Perhaps 5 minutes a quarter but you can't have a ruckman sit on the bench for 10 minutes each quarter - it would compromise the midfield rotations to far too great an extent.

I think you are right on this. That's the problem with Minson. He is near useless when playing in the FP. Can't take a mark, slow when chasing, gives away silly free kicks, etc.

[Remi Moses]

I think it would be a blessing if Campbell gets a sustained run at it next season.
He should have played more often last season, with Minson's poor form.
We need to know whether Tom can handle the main gig, and with Will being in the side we'll never know.

[G-Mo77]

We've got to give him time in the AFL and not just pinch hitting duties while playing forward the rest of the game full games as the #1 ruck. This should have happened in 2014 but Will was rewarded for past form which was disappointing. I think we've got a good one here, would love to see him handle more of the work load in 2015.

[Remi Moses]

I think you are right on this. That's the problem with Minson. He is near useless when playing in the FP. Can't take a mark, slow when chasing, gives away silly free kicks, etc.

I think you were bang on last year with the Willhurts our structure post.
I mean no disrespect to Will, but that's a valid point.

[F'scary]

I think you were bang on last year with the Willhurts our structure post.
I mean no disrespect to Will, but that's a valid point.

We have to thank Eade for constructing the definitive scientific experiment to test the hypothesis that Minson could play as a forward.

[Eastdog]

Will he be recalled to our senior line up soon do you think or does he need more VFL games.

[Go_Dogs]

Will he be recalled to our senior line up soon do you think or does he need more VFL games.

Not quite there yet for mine Easty, although I only caught a bit of the weekends game.

[Eastdog]

Not quite there yet for mine Easty, although I only caught a bit of the weekends game.

Ok. Yeah will be good to see him in action at senior level again and see what he does. I think we don't want Tom Boyd to play in the ruck which he can because we got him for the purposes of being a full forward. Do you see Campbell in the future replacing Will Minson?

[Go_Dogs]

Do you see Campbell in the future replacing Will Minson?

He looks the most capable on our list to be Minson's replacement.

Like you seem to be suggesting, we need to get some senior games into him this year - hopefully he can put in some strong performances at VFL level over the next few weeks and demand a game.

[Eastdog]

He looks the most capable on our list to be Minson's replacement.

Like you seem to be suggesting, we need to get some senior games into him this year - hopefully he can put in some strong performances at VFL level over the next few weeks and demand a game.

Even though we lost this game last year it was against Crows I remember watching in the first quarter he did very well taking some good marks.

[Go_Dogs]

Even though we lost this game last year it was against Crows I remember watching in the first quarter he did very well taking some good marks.

He did - good memory. Kicked our first goal too, which I remember cause I put a couple of dollars on him.

[Eastdog]

He did - good memory. Kicked our first goal too, which I remember cause I put a couple of dollars on him.

Good bet you probably got a bit back :)

[LostDoggy]

Has he been playing forward or more ruck in the Magoos or floating betwwen both?

[bornadog]

Don't forget he had an interrupted preseason with a shoulder. Maybe needs a few more weeks.

[G-Mo77]

Has he been playing forward or more ruck in the Magoos or floating betwwen both?

Ruck. Fort has been back up.

I think he's close but it's just not a good fit haging him and Will in the side.

[SlimPickens]

Ruck. Fort has been back up.

I think he's close but it's just not a good fit haging him and Will in the side.

Is it any worse than having Redpath/Minson or Cordy/Minson in the team? Tom has at very least shown he can take a mark and kick a goal at AFL level.

I'd sooner give Campbell a game over the others mentioned, we really need Will to offer us something for 5-10 mins up forward to make this a viable option.

[Twodogs]

Is it any worse than having Redpath/Minson or Crody/Minson in the team? Tom has at very least shown he can take a mark and kick a goal at AFL level.


I wish he was Croady.

[SlimPickens]

I wish he was Croady.

Gotta love autocorrect

[G-Mo77]

Is it any worse than having Redpath/Minson or Cordy/Minson in the team? Tom has at very least shown he can take a mark and kick a goal at AFL level.

I'd sooner give Campbell a game over the others mentioned, we really need Will to offer us something for 5-10 mins up forward to make this a viable option.

I'd still like to give Redpath a bunch of games in succession. He didn't have a good first game but wasn't far off either. His omission was probably to do with keeping Boyd up forward rather than pinch ruck duties, I'd rather not have Boyd rucking but that's just me.

I'd rather have Campbell (when healthy) as well.

[Webby]

I'd still like to give Redpath a bunch of games in succession. He didn't have a good first game but wasn't far off either. His omission was probably to do with keeping Boyd up forward rather than pinch ruck duties, I'd rather not have Boyd rucking but that's just me.

I'd rather have Campbell (when healthy) as well.

I'd still like to see Redpath in the backline.

[G-Mo77]

I'd still like to see Redpath in the backline.

Played a little there last season from memory or maybe it was 2013. I've seen him lining up in the middle the last 2 weeks roving off Campbell which is odd.

[Greystache]

Played a little there last season from memory or maybe it was 2013. I've seen him lining up in the middle the last 2 weeks roving off Campbell which is odd.

He played there a bit in the first half of last season. I think Beveridge is trying to emulate what Hawthorn does periodically with Roughead. I have to say in the the numerous times he's gone into the centre bounce I can't recall Redpath winning any clearances.

[LostDoggy]

I hope Tom gets a run later in the year, but on his performance on the weekend he does not yet deserve the senior call. He didn't present much of an option at all anywhere other than the ruck. Whilst Minson plays, Campbell doesn't.

[comrade]

My hope is that as the window opens, Tom Campbell steps up as the bullocking, number 1 ruck, with Roughy as the mobile 2nd ruck who plays forward and provides an option.

This means we need to bring in another key defender. Hope we're knocking down the doors of Jake Carlisle's agent...

[G-Mo77]

He played there a bit in the first half of last season. I think Beveridge is trying to emulate what Hawthorn does periodically with Roughead. I have to say in the the numerous times he's gone into the centre bounce I can't recall Redpath winning any clearances.

I can't either.

[stefoid]

I really like a ruckman who can mark around the ground or when drifting forward (as opposed to playing forward). Campbell has that aspect to his game that Minson and Cordy dont.

tapouts dont worry me too much as long as he can stop the other ruckman giving his mids good service, and as long as he doesnt spectate once the ball hits the ground.

Happy to have Campbell on the list indefinately whilst Wilburforce is still playing.

[Eastdog]

How did he go today in the VFL?

[LostDoggy]

How did he go today in the VFL?
As far as I know , 4 goals in the 2nd half of the game and another 40+ hit outs in the ruck , not getting accurate and specific VFL stats on game day is very irritating

[Eastdog]

As far as I know , 4 goals in the 2nd half of the game and another 40+ hit outs in the ruck , not getting accurate and specific VFL stats on game day is very irritating

Sounds like he had a pretty good game from the sound of that.

[LostDoggy]

I,m not sure what Bevo has planned at the moment for the Port Adelaide game but there is an outside chance that Roughead could be rested but still play most of the game for Footscray to give him a bit of a break before the bye . It just depends on matchups whether Campbell goes over for the game or not , Lobbe is in solid form and Paddy Ryder didn't play against the Demons and he would need a mobile player to cover him

[Eastdog]

I,m not sure what Bevo has planned at the moment for the Port Adelaide game but there is an outside chance that Roughead could be rested but still play most of the game for Footscray to give him a bit of a break before the bye . It just depends on matchups whether Campbell goes over for the game or not , Lobbe is in solid form and Paddy Ryder didn't play against the Demons and he would need a mobile player to cover him

Could we rest Bonts this week you reckon as well or should we get as much AFL footy into him as we can.

[LostDoggy]

I,m not really expecting Bevo to make too many changes after 6 + 1 forced changes for the Giants game , Talia had a big game for Footscray by the sounds of it so it could be that the 3 talls in the backline against Port Adelaide is Talia , Roberts and Hamling , give Roughead a rest before the Bye and bring in Campbell

[boydogs]

6 + 1 forced changes for the Giants game

Jong was one of the original outs so bringing him back in is still 6

[bornadog]

As far as I know , 4 goals in the 2nd half of the game and another 40+ hit outs in the ruck , not getting accurate and specific VFL stats on game day is very irritating

Cordy had 4 goals, Tom kicked 2

[Doc26]

I,m not sure what Bevo has planned at the moment for the Port Adelaide game but there is an outside chance that Roughead could be rested but still play most of the game for Footscray to give him a bit of a break before the bye . It just depends on matchups whether Campbell goes over for the game or not , Lobbe is in solid form and Paddy Ryder didn't play against the Demons and he would need a mobile player to cover him

I had heard that Ryder would miss 2 to 3 with an achilles related issue and Trengove out for 6 with his ankle.

[Maddog37]

Tom had 21 possessions from memory.

[comrade]

21 possies, 4 marks, 2 goals and 59 hit outs. Fair day out.

With the sub getting scrapped next year, I can see a ruck duo of Campbell and Roughy working. More mobile than Minson and much stronger than Ayce.

The best ruck talent in the country not getting a regular AFL gig, IMO.

[Bulldog Joe]

Just found the VFL stats on my Footy Live app.

Cordy 8 kicks 7 hb 6 marks 6 tackles 20 ho 4 goals and 122 DT points.
Campbell 12 kicks 9 hb 4 marks 5 tackles 59 ho 2 goals 160 DT points.

You would have to say an indication that both went ok.

[jeemak]

Great from both of the guys. Campbell needs to be given a chance after the bye at least.

[Greystache]

21 possies, 4 marks, 2 goals and 59 hit outs. Fair day out.

With the sub getting scrapped next year, I can see a ruck duo of Campbell and Roughy working. More mobile than Minson and much stronger than Ayce.

The best ruck talent in the country not getting a regular AFL gig, IMO.

Better than many playing too. Needs to be given a run.

[Twodogs]

Great from both of the guys. Campbell needs to be given a chance after the bye at least.

Agreed. If I were a recruiter or list manager for another club I would be in constant contact with Toms management.

Like comrade said he's the best ruckman not playing regularly in the AFL ATM.

[jeemak]

Agreed. If I were a recruiter or list manager for another club I would be in constant contact with Toms management.

Like comrade said he's the best ruckman not playing regularly in the AFL ATM.

His value will only increase if he performs at senior level as well. I'm 50-50 on whether he will be able to take his VFL form into the AFL this year, and I think that's because I view him as a very raw player that has a fair bit to learn, which is something that can be forgotten due to his physique being well developed.

Either way, we won't know until he's given a month in the seniors with significant time in the ruck.

[comrade]

The question is are we prepared to take a potential dip in output by giving Campbell games over Minson, with a view to long term development?

I'm convinced Roughy and Campbell are the future, with Ayce as back up. As much as I loved the job Minno did on the weekend, I still don't see him as part of our plans from 2016 onwards.

[azabob]

The question is are we prepared to take a potential dip in output by giving Campbell games over Minson, with a view to long term development?

I'm convinced Roughy and Campbell are the future, with Ayce as back up. As much as I loved the job Minno did on the weekend, I still don't see him as part of our plans from 2016 onwards.

Of course we are. The MC did it with Cordy.

I am in the minority but i wouldnt be upset if Minson was dropped this week or next.

[jeemak]

The question is are we prepared to take a potential dip in output by giving Campbell games over Minson, with a view to long term development?

I'm convinced Roughy and Campbell are the future, with Ayce as back up. As much as I loved the job Minno did on the weekend, I still don't see him as part of our plans from 2016 onwards.

We have to be, but it might be that Minson once again forces the coaching panel's hand. Minson was fantastic over the weekend, though it's not a given he's changed his game for good (over a sustained period) or that he won't suffer an injury at some point.

We're only one injury or tough set of match ups in defence from needing to put Roughead back there as well.

Campbell will get his chance, and when he does he needs to take it. I hope he gets a sustained run once he's in though.

[Eastdog]

When do you think will see him in the seniors? He's spot on the list now is quite vulnerable particularly with Tim English coming along and showing really good signs.

[Rocket Science]

I'm not sure there's much else to discuss ...

In terms of practical value to us and the current coaching group he's basically a warm body at this point.

Probably deserves a go elsewhere but doubt we'd get much if anything in return. Another asset we've managed superbly.

[G-Mo77]

I'm not sure there's much else to discuss ...

In terms of practical value to us and the current coaching group he's basically a warm body at this point.

Probably deserves a go elsewhere but doubt we'd get much if anything in return. Another asset we've managed superbly.

It's an absolute waste. There was no point in keeping him, in all honesty we would have been better off delisting him and Roberts. Not bagging those 2 guys, they're rotting without an opportunity at all so what's the point of having them. Campbell deserves another shot. It's about time someone stopped this foolishness and give him another chance. What's the worst that could happen lose by 40 points instead of 50?

[GVGjr]

With the development of Tim English and the acquisition of Trengove and Schache I think Campbell is in a race with and out of contract Roughead to get another contract. Had he been fit this year or last at the right time then he could very well now be in a stronger position but he probably needs a few things to work out for him.

If he gets a chance he needs to make the most of it.

[Mofra]

He should have been in last week. I feel for Tom, his papers appear stamped.