2008 Hawthorn Premiership player Robert Campbell has decided to retire from AFL after 116 matches with the Hawks due to an ongoing degenerative knee condition.
Campbell informed his team mates of his decision to retirement at a meeting prior to the Crimmins Medal (for the Best and Fairest) at Crown Palladium on Saturday evening. He then announced his decision to the remainder of the audience at Crown, during the best and fairest awards.
At the end of the Hawks 2009 season, Campbell, 27, underwent surgery for a degenerative knee condition, but decided after the surgery that his injury would not allow him to play on next season and if he did play he would not make a significant impact at all.
Campbell said that he appreciated all the opportunities he had been given to him by the Hawks and the support that he had been shown by the club was enormous. He said that “You’re told from the start of your career that footy is a ruthless business, and you are never under any illusion.”
He stated that since 2005, when he found out he had a degenerative knee condition, he thought that his career might have been cut short then and there, but was still able to play on for another 4 seasons. Campbell said “ill be eternally grateful for the faith Clarko [Alastair Clarkson] and his coaching group showed in me – to allow me to continue playing footy – and ultimately play in a premiership team.” Lastly Campbell thanked his family, his partner and his friends for their support over his football career.
Hawks Coach Alistair Clarkson praised Campbell and said “We had enormous trust and belief in the manner that Robbie could influence a contest and this will be one aspect that will be difficult to replace”. He added that Campbell had developed into a key defender this season, after playing a ruck role in 2008.
Robbie Campbell was recruited from the Rutherglen/Murray Under 18 team to Hawthorn and was granted a Rookie elevation in 2001. His debut match was in 2002 against Richmond at the MCG.
He played on and off for a few seasons until 2006 where he had a massive season and played in all the Hawks 22 matches; collecting 230 disposals and 300 hit outs. From 2006-2008 is played 70 of a possible 71 matches for the Hawks and became the Hawks first choice ruckman in 2006 after the departure of Peter “Spider” Everitt.
Campbell became one of the competitions most durable and reliable ruck man. He was an extremely tough player and for his size handled the ball very well. He always tackled hard and was able to fill key position roles all over the ground when necessary, more recently in a defensive role.
Not only did Campbell battle a knee injury during his career but also gluteal and finger injuries than kept him out especially during 2009.
Robert Campbell finishes his AFL career having played 116 games for the Hawks and having kicked a total of 25 goals. He also received a premiership medallion in the Hawks 2008 Premiership win against Geelong.
Campbell joins fellow team mates Stuart Dew and Tim Boyle in retirement for season 2009.
Tags: Alistair Clarkson, Robert Campbell
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