Melbourne veteran Tom Campbell has announced his retirement after 15 years in the AFL across four clubs.
Campbell was already ruled out for the season after suffering a torn ligament in his neck at training in January.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Campbell announces his retirement to teammates
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The 34-year-old was unlikely to play beyond this year and officially confirmed his retirement on Friday.
Campbell never played a senior game in his two years at the Demons, but was a much-loved member of the squad.
The journeyman began his career at the Western Bulldogs before spending time at North Melbourne and St Kilda, playing a total of 58 games across 15 years.
“Probably a poorly kept secret boys but I’ve actually come in today to announce my retirement,” he told teammates on Friday.
“I wanted the opportunity to come in and actually just talk about my career and it’s been an amazing journey and you know for me it’s been 15 years, four clubs, bugger all games but just a mountain of memories and I’m just really grateful for everything that this game has done for me.
“As a little kid, massive Richmond supporter, it was the dream. Like I loved watching (Matthew Richardson) Richo, Brad Ottens, Matty Knight, all these guys I looked up to and they were my heroes and I just thought wow wouldn’t it be amazing to one day do that.
“And then to have had the opportunity for it to crystallise into something that’s incredibly full and bright and I look back on so fondly is just amazing, but for me that dream’s come to an end and that’s OK.”
Campbell touched on his time at all four of clubs.
“I had the Western Bulldogs who helped me realise a dream. I had North Melbourne who you know helped me find the fire and you know the love of the game again after you know a tough finish at the Bulldogs,” he continued.
“The Saints showed me I had more to give and you know coming to the Dees, I sort of was given the opportunity to empty the tank and really you know give that last bit of competitive juice that I’ve got and you know the Deess is full of incredible people and we’re really fortunate to be here.
“But really finally just to the players what a privilege to have been one of you. It’s such an incredible opportunity to be an AFL player I don’t take it for granted it’s been really one of the joys of my life and I can’t wait to watch you moving forward as individuals but what you can achieve together.
“I think there’s going to be something really special and yeah I can’t wait to see what it is. Keep your dream alive and I’ll see you at the footy.”
Melbourne footy boss Alan Richardson praised Campbell for his positive impact in his short time at the club.
“Tom has been a great leader and role model throughout his time here, and he is the kind of player and person who brings the best out of those around him,” Richardson said.
“He is someone who gave everything to the football club, day in, day out. Whether it was his professionalism, the way he prepared himself, or how much he genuinely cared for the people around him, including his teammates and staff.”
Campbell was awarded the Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy at last year’s club awards for his outstanding community service.
He was also St Kilda’s best clubman in 2023.
