TonyK
CibbuanoCampbell calls it a day
October 3rd 2009 13:12
HAWTHORN ruckman Robert Campbell has announced his retirement from AFL football due to a degenerative knee condition.
Campbell, who was a key member of the club's 2008 premiership side, informed his teammates prior to the Peter Crimmins Medal at Crown Palladium on Saturday night of his decision to retire.
The loss of the 27-year-old means Hawthorn will have to rely on Simon Taylor and Brent Renouf to carry the ruck load in 2010 given youngster Max Bailey will miss all of next season with another serious knee injury.
Campbell said he would be 'eternally grateful' for the opportunities he had been given and the support he'd been shown by the club during his 116-game career.
"You're told from the start of your career that footy is a tough, uncompromising and challenging business, and you are never under any illusion," Campbell told the club's website.
"Since 2005 I knew that I have had a degenerative knee condition, and I had thought at that time my career might be cut short, then and there."
"I will be eternally grateful for the faith Clarko (coach Alastair Clarkson) and his coaching group showed in me - to allow me to continue playing footy - and ultimately play in a premiership team."
"I would also like to thanks my family, my partner and my friends for their amazing support over my career in football."
Clarkson said Campbell would be missed but the club respected his decision to hang up the boots.
"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," Clarkson said.
"He has overcome many obstacles in his football career but we have taken the decision that the journey of life should now take significance over the journey of foot ball. A player's well-being is the most important thing."
Campbell, who was a key member of the club's 2008 premiership side, informed his teammates prior to the Peter Crimmins Medal at Crown Palladium on Saturday night of his decision to retire.
The loss of the 27-year-old means Hawthorn will have to rely on Simon Taylor and Brent Renouf to carry the ruck load in 2010 given youngster Max Bailey will miss all of next season with another serious knee injury.
Campbell said he would be 'eternally grateful' for the opportunities he had been given and the support he'd been shown by the club during his 116-game career.
"You're told from the start of your career that footy is a tough, uncompromising and challenging business, and you are never under any illusion," Campbell told the club's website.
"Since 2005 I knew that I have had a degenerative knee condition, and I had thought at that time my career might be cut short, then and there."
"I will be eternally grateful for the faith Clarko (coach Alastair Clarkson) and his coaching group showed in me - to allow me to continue playing footy - and ultimately play in a premiership team."
"I would also like to thanks my family, my partner and my friends for their amazing support over my career in football."
Clarkson said Campbell would be missed but the club respected his decision to hang up the boots.
"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," Clarkson said.
"He has overcome many obstacles in his football career but we have taken the decision that the journey of life should now take significance over the journey of foot ball. A player's well-being is the most important thing."
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