Robert Campbell (Australian rules footballer)

Robert Campbell
Robert Campbell playing for Hawthorn on 5 August 2008
Personal information
Full name Robert Campbell
Date of birth (1982-06-02) 2 June 1982 (age 42)
Original team(s) Murray Bushrangers (TAC Cup)
Rutherglen (Juniors)
Draft No. 27, 2001 rookie draft
Debut Round 5, 2002, Hawthorn vs. Richmond, at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Height 199 cm (6 ft 6 in)
Weight 125 kg (276 lb)
Position(s) Ruckman
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2002–2009 Hawthorn 116 (25)
2011 Melbourne 000 0(1)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2011.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Robert "Robbie" Campbell (born 2 June 1982) is an Australian rules footballer who played for the Hawthorn Football Club and 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 according to jini.

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).