Tom Campbell (footballer, born 1991)

Tom Campbell (born 2 November 1991) is a professional Australian rules footballer currently playing for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Campbell previously played for the Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and St Kilda.

Tom Campbell
Campbell warming up for the Western Bulldogs in February 2017
Personal information
Full name Tom Campbell
Date of birth (1991-11-02) 2 November 1991 (age 32)
Original team(s) Bendigo Bombers (VFL)
Draft No. 27, 2012 rookie draft
Height 201 cm (6 ft 7 in)
Weight 105 kg (231 lb)
Position(s) Ruckman
Club information
Current club Melbourne
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2012–2018 Western Bulldogs 42 (23)
2019–2021 North Melbourne 12 0(7)
2022–2024 St Kilda 04 0(0)
2025– Melbourne 00 0(0)
Total 58 (30)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2024.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

AFL career

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Campbell was recruited by the Western Bulldog in the 2012 Rookie Draft, with pick #27. He made his debut in Round 13, 2012, against Brisbane Lions at Docklands, having been promoted to the senior list to replace the suspended ruckman Will Minson.[1]

After being delisted by the Bulldogs at the conclusion of the 2018 AFL season, Campbell joined North Melbourne as a rookie in the AFL's new supplemental selection period (SSP). On his debut for North Melbourne, senior coach Brad Scott described Campbell as a fierce competitor who gives his all for the team. Campbell reached his 50th AFL game during the 2021 season, where he was lauded by his teammates and coaches for his leadership and guidance while playing tandem in the ruck with Todd Goldstein.[2] Campbell was delisted by the Kangaroos in October 2021,[3] but signed with St Kilda as a delisted free agent the following month.[4] He made his St Kilda debut against Port Adelaide at Cazalys stadium, Cairns during round 7 of the 2022 season.[5]

Considered a strong clubman and mentor to younger players, Campbell won the Saints 2023 Best Clubman Award, with the Saints’ Executive General Manager of Football describing Campbell’s impact on the club as ‘profound.’[6]

Campbell was delisted by the Saints at the conclusion of the 2024 season.[7] He was soon after signed by Melbourne as a delisted free agent for the 2025 season, in order to assist Melbourne’s All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn.[8]

Personal life

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Campbell is an advocate for greater action to combat climate change and outside football is involved in several climate change projects.[9] Along with Jasper Pittard, Campbell launched the AFL Players for Climate action initiative in 2021,[10] later renamed Footy for Climate.[11]

References

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  1. ^ Collins, Ben (21 June 2012). "Without Will, there's a way". AFL.com. Archived from the original on 23 June 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2012.
  2. ^ "Campbell standing tall".
  3. ^ "Veteran defender, free-agent winger among four Roos culled".
  4. ^ "Saints welcome Campbell". saints.com.au. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  5. ^ "TEAMS: Dons axe star mid, Swans add firepower, Dog gone". afl.com.au. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  6. ^ https://www.saints.com.au/news/1459107/journeyman-campbell-signs-new-deal#:~:text=Tom%20Campbell%20will%20remain%20a,of%20Football%20David%20Misson%20said.
  7. ^ "Saints farewell four following list changes". St Kilda Football Club. 27 August 2024.
  8. ^ https://www.afl.com.au/news/1236251/melbourne-demons-secure-support-for-max-gawn-as-ruck-tom-campbell-lands-at-fourth-afl-club
  9. ^ "Campbell's climate call".
  10. ^ "'We all have a role': More than 260 Australian rules footballers sign up to climate campaign". TheGuardian.com. 16 October 2021.
  11. ^ https://www.afl.com.au/news/1162963/big-st-kilda-saint-tom-campbell-on-unexpected-guest-life-as-a-back-up-and-whats-next/amp?webview=true
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