They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but North Melbourne is doing just that with former Bulldog Tom Campbell in 2019.
A ruckman by trade, the North recruit has featured in the senior side as a forward for the past two weeks.
“It was a really great to get the opportunity to come into the team and play in the forward-line,” Campbell told North Media.
“It’s not a role I’ve played a whole lot of in recent time, so it’s been a steep learning curve.”
Since the retirement of Jarrad Waite at the end of 2018, the Roos have tested a range of forward-line dynamics.
After Mason Wood and Nick Larkey were put to the test throughout the JLT Series, Campbell has been given the chance to show what he’s capable over the past fortnight.
While the role isn’t going to see Campbell light up the stats sheet, the 27-year-old is clear how important his presence can be.
“I’m in the team to provide a big strong contest and be a target around the ground,” he said.
“The coaches are just always telling me to make sure I’m there to provide an option to help get the smaller forwards into the game.
“I know what my role is in the team, so I just try and get out there each week and make a mark on the game.”
Having spent close to all of the pre-season working with the midfield group, Campbell admits he still has plenty to learn in attack.
“It’s really different playing in the ruck compared to the forward line,” he said.
“It’s taken a little bit of time to adapt, but there’s some great leadership down there to help me out, and they’ve been really supportive of me and my role.
“It’s great playing alongside Ben Brown because he draws the best defender every week.
“That creates opportunities for me if I can get my positioning right to provide a strong contest.”
The big man also providing value support for Todd Goldstein in the ruck.
“It’s great to get the opportunity to come up into the ruck for bursts and give Todd a chop-out,” Campbell added.
“I always aim to make it a hard contest when I’m in there, and I’ll continue to do that.”
