Howard Kotton
afl.com.au
4:06:25 PM Mon
13 January, 2003
Richmond captain Wayne Campbell may not spend so much time in the Tigers’ midfield this season. Campbell played several games towards the end of last year off half-back and the Tigers’ midfield options have been bolstered by the off-season recruitment of experienced pair Kane Johnson and Justin Blumfield.
Campbell admits the midfield has been a weakness for several years, but Johnson and Blumfield are premiership players and key additions in this area.
“With some new midfielders and some younger guys showing more capabilities in there, I’m happy to play half-back, half-forward or back pocket, depending on where they need me,” the veteran told afl.com.au
But Campbell said while he enjoyed playing in defence, he preferred the midfield, where he has excelled for many years. “There’s a bit more pressure in there,” the skipper said.
Campbell said the Tigers had more options, with Greg Tivendale, Mark Chaffey and Mark Coughlan able to be rotated through the midfield. Another recruit, Tim Fleming from Carlton, could prove valuable in this area.
Campbell, 30, is on the Tigers’ veterans list for the first time this season and coach Danny Frawley has him on a modified program during the pre-season.
He ran laps with Duncan Kellaway in the heat at Sandringham, then completed the sprints with the rest of the group before going for a well-earned dip in Port Phillip Bay.
“I think it’s just a different program to what the younger guys do,” Campbell said. “I’ve still done all the extra stuff, the swimming, boxing and weights. I’m just holding it back for a little while and hopefully next week will get back into full training.”
afl.com.au
4:06:25 PM Mon
13 January, 2003
Richmond captain Wayne Campbell may not spend so much time in the Tigers’ midfield this season. Campbell played several games towards the end of last year off half-back and the Tigers’ midfield options have been bolstered by the off-season recruitment of experienced pair Kane Johnson and Justin Blumfield.
Campbell admits the midfield has been a weakness for several years, but Johnson and Blumfield are premiership players and key additions in this area.
“With some new midfielders and some younger guys showing more capabilities in there, I’m happy to play half-back, half-forward or back pocket, depending on where they need me,” the veteran told afl.com.au
But Campbell said while he enjoyed playing in defence, he preferred the midfield, where he has excelled for many years. “There’s a bit more pressure in there,” the skipper said.
Campbell said the Tigers had more options, with Greg Tivendale, Mark Chaffey and Mark Coughlan able to be rotated through the midfield. Another recruit, Tim Fleming from Carlton, could prove valuable in this area.
Campbell, 30, is on the Tigers’ veterans list for the first time this season and coach Danny Frawley has him on a modified program during the pre-season.
He ran laps with Duncan Kellaway in the heat at Sandringham, then completed the sprints with the rest of the group before going for a well-earned dip in Port Phillip Bay.
“I think it’s just a different program to what the younger guys do,” Campbell said. “I’ve still done all the extra stuff, the swimming, boxing and weights. I’m just holding it back for a little while and hopefully next week will get back into full training.”
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