Past #42: Tom Campbell - delisted end '21 - 12 NM games / 7 NM goals - 2019 NM VFL John Law Medallist - thanks Soup


NORTH Melbourne is set to pounce on discarded Western Bulldogs ruckman Tom Campbell next week in a boost to the club's ruck stocks.

As part of the new pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) introduced this year, the 27-year-old big man will be able to walk to Arden Street as soon as December 1.

While not being allowed to train with the club before the commencement of the period, AFL.com.au understands Campbell will continue his own pre-season regime before joining the Roos.

Campbell wasn't required to nominate for last week's NAB AFL National and Rookie drafts, with North Melbourne all but providing assurances of his second chance.

Following the departure of contracted ruckman Braydon Preuss during the NAB AFL Trade Period, the addition of Campbell will provide No.1 Todd Goldstein relief in 2019.

Youngster Tristan Xerri is expected to continue his development in his second VFL next season, while Majak Daw has the ability to ruck after a promising season in defence in 2018.

Having previously completed a medical screening at Essendon following his delisting from Dogs, Campbell was overlooked by the Bombers in favour of former Fremantle ruckman Zac Clarke.

In seven years at Whitten Oval, Campbell played 42 matches with his most in one single season coming in 2016 when he played nine matches but missed the Dogs' premiership.


As part of the SSP, former listed players Mav Weller (Richmond), Keegan Brooksby (West Coast), Corey Wagner (Melbourne) and Shane Mumford (GWS) will be back on AFL lists next week.

Richmond also appears set to offer WA teenager Sydney Stack an AFL opportunity after lodging paperwork for him to train with the club.
 

spurs

Norm Smith Medallist
Sep 2, 2003
5,880
2,919
Perth
AFL Club
North Melbourne
Other Teams
THFC, Claremont Tigers
Would have preferred Zac Clarke but don’t mind this guy as a backup

From what I understand we looked at him, but he still has injury concerns. Clarke dominated this year in the WAFL with Subiaco, but he didn't train much throughout the year due to his injuries. Has got talent but huge risk back in the AFL with his past. Campbell isn't a bad ruckman (proven against Goldy who he smashed), and will give time for Xerri to develop or we look for a better backup ruckman for Goldy next year.
 

spurs

Norm Smith Medallist
Sep 2, 2003
5,880
2,919
Perth
AFL Club
North Melbourne
Other Teams
THFC, Claremont Tigers
Would have preferred Zac Clarke but don’t mind this guy as a backup

From what I understand we looked at him, but he still has injury concerns. Clarke dominated this year in the WAFL with Subiaco, but he didn't train much throughout the year due to his injuries. Has got talent but huge risk back in the AFL with his past. Campbell isn't a bad ruckman (proven against Goldy who he smashed), and will give time for Xerri to develop or we look for a better backup ruckman for Goldy next year.
 
Absolute spud

Looks like Tarzan and plays like janes unborn baby
Thing is, he doesn't have to be a good ruck.

Has to:
Provide ability to cover a ruck going down so we aren't devoid of rucks.
Provide reasonable contest in the ruck
Know he's not going to be a main list player on a tonne of cash and be okay with that
Be fit and ready to go.


He fits all those categories. And chances are he won't even need to play a game.
 
Back