Robert Campbell

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

I'd like to see a change to the name of the "Rookie List" and "Rookie Draft" to something different in the next couple of years, with the new mature-age rules. Mature-aged recruits like Robbie Campbell or Brad Miller at Richmond shouldn't really be referred to as rookies (in the true sense of the word), when they are among the most experienced players at their respective clubs. Perhaps a return to the old "Supplementary List" naming and a "Supplementary Draft" might be more fitting?

When the rookie list was invented, it was intended to be a place outside the senior list for clubs to draft and develop smokey picks aged under 21 (i think but happy to be corrected?) who had no prior experience at AFL level. Now that there is no age or games-played limit on the RL the word "rookie" doesn't really apply.

Totally agree. On any construction, players like Brad Miller or Robert Campbell cannot be called 'rookies'.

[The Great Pretender 463]

I have a good feeling about Robert Campbell being at the club. A solid citizen and a cool headed player in his late 20's is just what we need in the wake of the losses of our two most experienced players. In addition, he will fill a major void in the ruck as partner to the Russian. If he's fit enough to get through games as the second stringer in ruck combined with a big man role up forward he could be the coup of the 2011 season.

[Deeoldfart 8,016]

Brett Anderson (Inside Football, 15 Dec.)said: "Melbourne's selection of Robert Campbell could prove to be the masterstroke of the entire 2010 drafting process." I agree. I think he will prove to be much more than a handy back-up for Mark Jamar, and he will be an asset in helping the likes of Spencer and Gawn progress up the steep learning curve that they have ahead of them.