Key Stats:
Guernsey Number: 45
Age: 20
Career Games: 7
Career Goals: 3
Debut: 2012

Season Stats:
Games: 7
Goals: 3
Disposals: 58 (8.3)
Marks: 17 (2.4)
Tackles: 9 (1.3)

Season Overview:
The big bodied ruckman was rookie drafted in December last year after impressing for the Bendigo Bombers in the VFL. Shouldering first ruck duties for Williamstown for the first half of the season, Tom Campbell was dominant - named amongst the bests in eight of his ten VFL games. Elevated to the senior list to debut against Brisbane Lions in round 13, the 20 year old was thrown in the deep end assuming the first ruckman post with Will Minson restricted to the sidelines. Going head to head with ex-Bulldog Ben Hudson, Campbell effectively won the duel with the Dogs taking bragging rights in the ruck. He went on to play a further six games assisting Minson in the stoppages and rotating through the forward line.

Watch highlights of Tom Campbell's NAB Cup campaign on the media player above.

By the Numbers:
A monstrous 58 hitouts against Port Melbourne in round 18 of the VFL proved the developing ruckman is capable of holding his own. Playing for Williamstown there were only two occasions where he had less than 30 hitouts - with one game only missing marginally with 29 for the day. After his promotion to the senior Bulldogs line-up he performed admirably, averaging 12.7 hitouts per match - however, if you take out the two games where he was substituted, that figure rises to 15.4. Also of his 17 marks for the season, ten were contested.

Season Highlight:
Impressing on debut Campbell came out victorious in the ruck duel against “The People’s Beard” Ben Hudson with 28 hitouts to 23. Strengthening the first gamers performance was five clearances, 11 disposals (seven contested) at 90.91% efficiency and four marks.

Pre-Season Focus:
While he is already built to compete with the bigger bodies in the AFL already, his strength and core work will continue to be a focus in the pre-season so he can further withstand the physicality of senior footy. Gaining more confidence in his overhead marking and shot for goal will also increase his versatility and value at the selection table next season.