THE WESTERN Bulldogs have continued their off-season re-signing spree, with young ruckman Tom Campbell re-committing to the club until the end of 2016.
The 22-year-old joins a host of exciting youngsters including Jack Macrae, Jake Stringer, Lachy Hunter, Michael Talia and Nathan Hrovat to show faith in the Bulldogs' direction under coach Brendan McCartney.
"The club came to me and my manager at the end of last year and I was really keen to sign as soon as possible … It's a really exciting club to be a part of,” said Campbell
Since debuting in 2012, the former rookie has spent most of his 13 senior games playing in attack and backing up All Australian Will Minson in the ruck when necessary.
Standing at 201cm, Campbell's strong marking netted him nine goals from the final five games of 2013 to prove the Bulldogs have something to work with up forward.
"I've always played as a ruckman growing up but working with ‘Macca’ (McCartney) and the assistant coaches has really helped me develop my forward craft," he said.
"It's really important as a player to have a couple of strings to your bow these days and if I play some good footy, I'll stay in the team.”
His development in the ruck while understudy to Minson looms just as important, with the Dogs' list not overflowing with ruck options.
Campbell couldn't be more complimentary of the impact that Minson has had on him in his time at Whitten Oval.
"Will's been great for me, he's really generous with his time, he always giving me advice and he's a great mentor who's at the top of his game.”
