Outside the Swans, Campbell Heath was the forgotten draftee of 2009. Taken at pick number 61 at the end of 2008 when he was only 17, he stayed home to finish his schooling in Sale.
And then, in March last year, he tore his ACL while training with Gippsland Power and had to have a knee reconstruction.
“It was frustrating. I did want to be up here but I had to get school out of the way and it is good to get it behind me now,’’ says Heath, who did well and will study engineering next year.
The year at home also meant he had time for his knee to recover and he was ready to hit the ground running when he finally moved to Sydney at the end of last year.
Heath has been one of the standout performers in the Swans reserves during the past two weeks, playing at half back, and he pays tribute to a handy mentor.
“Craig Bolton is my mentor, we watch each other’s tapes. He’s been helping me with my body work, and the balance between offence and defence.?He sees me playing a similar role to him in the future, so a few tips off him would be good,’’ says Heath, who has a similar build to the co-captain.
Heath has worked diligently on his body work and spoiling this year, mainly under the watchful eye of development manager Stuart Maxfield, and development coach, Stuart Dew.
“My attacking and offence has been pretty good but I’ve concentrated with Stuey Maxfield and Stuey Dew on my defence,’’’he says.
Maxfield says Heath is a quick learner with a very promising future at the Swans.
“Campbell has been fantastic (in the reserves) for the last two weeks,’’ Maxfield says. “He is probably physically ready to play senior footy, but he is coming off a knee reconstruction and didn’t play any footy last year so we have to be careful how we manage him.
“But he has shown that he is going to be a long term senior player for us.’’’’
Maxfield sees Heath playing in the backline, but with so many good senior half-backs, it might take a little time before he gets his opportunity.
However Maxfield says Heath has the right attitude.
“The best thing about Campbell is he is a mature young man, a great character, and he is a good listener and a fast learner,’’ Maxfield said.
“The things we’ve spoken about with his defensive body work he has taken on board. He is a genuine competitor, and he is what the coach always loves - a really good decision maker on the ground who only needs a handful of possessions to be creative.
“And he is a left footer so he has half the game beat!’’’Maxfield laughed.
As for Campbell himself, he has a simple goal this year.
“Hopefully break into the team at some stage, that would be good.?But just be patient and keep working hard.’’
