Player Watch #29: Tom Campbell (joins as FA)

[Topkent]

He sounds like a great guy by all accounts but I can’t get behind this re-signing. The only reason you re-sign someone who played in the VFL all year is because they are young and developing with potential, not a 33 year old who is solely a backup in case the ruck gets injured. He’s also very much been a state league level ruck his whole career which makes this even more strange.

And didn’t we do this a few years ago with Majak Daw? Was on the list multiple seasons then bang Gawn gets injured, the one time he is needed to serve his sole purpose- Majak too was injured. Confirmation of a wasted spot on the list.

I’d rather try our luck on a forward or defender in the state league who is mid 20’s or younger that can also play ruck, he can push for selection even when Big Max is healthy.

Mate this is probably the most who gives a **** contract extension of all time. He's on minimum wage more than likely, experience for the VFL and can step in if needed.

If there's a crap VFL ruck around who's 27 instead why on earth is that better?

 

[Proper Gander]

I’ve decided I like him.

I don’t necessarily want him to play or anything but I like him

 

[schmuttt]

Mate this is probably the most who gives a **** contract extension of all time. He's on minimum wage more than likely, experience for the VFL and can step in if needed.

If there's a crap VFL ruck around who's 27 instead why on earth is that better?

Yep, this isn't like the stupid Mihocek chase where we are offering too much. Campbell is on a one year deal at the minimum, we don't lose anything.

 

[Topkent]

Yep, this isn't like the stupid Mihocek chase where we are offering too much. Campbell is on a one year deal at the minimum, we don't lose anything.

Plus there's always worst case scenario Gawn is out for 12 weeks plus and then Campbell definitely plays, especially cause we're aiming for finals..

 

[mrmonkey]

I’ve decided I like him.

I don’t necessarily want him to play or anything but I like him

Hard not to like him, seems like a good family man and just looks completely professional. May not be the best player but there must be a reason why he's been around for a long time.

 

[Scythe]

I’ve decided I like him.

I don’t necessarily want him to play or anything but I like him

Good instincts, he's one of the best guys in footy

 

[Tokyo Sandblaster]

Mate this is probably the most who gives a **** contract extension of all time. He's on minimum wage more than likely, experience for the VFL and can step in if needed.

If there's a crap VFL ruck around who's 27 instead why on earth is that better?

Part of the assistance package the AFL gives to clubs struggling at the bottom of the ladder is extra spots on the playing list. Going the other way and writing one off for a guy playing at Casey all year doesn’t strike me as a luxury a team at 14th can afford.

And if you read my post I said 25 and under dual position, not another 27 year old VFL ruck who also isn’t on anyone else’s list for a reason.

 

[Tokyo Sandblaster]

Yep, this isn't like the stupid Mihocek chase where we are offering too much. Campbell is on a one year deal at the minimum, we don't lose anything.

Not against signing Mihocek because he can realistically offer something to a putrid forward line.

What does Campbell playing in the VFL all year do for the 2026 campaign?

 

[Bluelegs]

Not against signing Mihocek because he can realistically offer something to a putrid forward line.

What does Campbell playing in the VFL all year do for the 2026 campaign?

Depth.

 

[Topkent]

Part of the assistance package the AFL gives to clubs struggling at the bottom of the ladder is extra spots on the playing list. Going the other way and writing one off for a guy playing at Casey all year doesn’t strike me as a luxury a team at 14th can afford.

And if you read my post I said 25 and under dual position, not another 27 year old VFL ruck who also isn’t on anyone else’s list for a reason.

So Gawn tears his quad and misses 16 weeks next season and you'd rather a VFL 23 year old who isn't good enough. Got it mate.

 

[Theseventhhamster]

Starting ruck, break in case of emergency veteran and then your project tall or talls. Pretty standard and sensible.

 

[Dory_77]

Starting ruck, break in case of emergency veteran and then your project tall or talls. Pretty standard and sensible.

I feel like having a real journeyman also adds to the culture. By all reports Campbell is a lovely bloke, so an older head who's been around the league with his experience could be a good perspective to have - can relate to the ups and downs a career could have for the young fellas.

 

[Lord Nev]

I feel like having a real journeyman also adds to the culture. By all reports Campbell is a lovely bloke, so an older head who's been around the league with his experience could be a good perspective to have - can relate to the ups and downs a career could have for the young fellas.

Was being talked about on SEN as having been a mentor to Heath, so quite likely played a part in convincing him over to the Dees as well.