Shaun Campbell discusses his move to Diggers Rest and ambitions for 2024

Local footy gun Shaun Campbell discusses the reasons behind his move to Diggers Rest and why he’s loving life at Bloomdale Oval.

Shaun Campbell wins the Grumont Medal as most courageous player.

Diggers Rest pulled off one of the recruiting coups of the local footy off-season when Shaun Campbell signed on.

The gun midfielder was coming off a Western league premiership and three straight league best-and-fairests at Parkside.

He has made a strong start to life at Bloomdale Oval and was awarded the Grumont Medal for most courageous player in the Burras’ 19-point Anzac Day win over Macedon.

He’s also kicked a league-high 12 majors in four RDFNL matches, including a bag of seven against Melton Centrals.

Campbell revealed it was a “random” conversation with Jake and Jordan Brown saw him commit for 2024.

Shaun Campbell wins the Grumont Medal as most courageous player.

“I work at a gym and they started training and asked me just randomly what I was doing next year,” Campbell said.

“I hadn’t really made my mind up, I didn’t know if I was going to play.

“They said come for a chat with us, had a chat on Saturday and I signed on the Wednesday.

“I was just a random conversation but I wouldn’t have said yes if I wasn’t serious.”

As well as his three league medals, Campbell won two club best-and-fairests, a league goalkicking award and grand final medal with Parkside.

He previously coached Wagga Tigers to a Riverina league premiership, winning a club best-and-fairest, and took home the Central Highlands league medal in 2016 while with Ballan.

However, at 34, he was looking to take a step back.

“I’m 34, I’m getting less serious and they were going up into A-grade, I love playing but I’m not huge on training anymore,” Campbell said.

“It’s a bit more laid back and chilled out, which is good.

Parkside’s Shaun Campbell wins the grand final medal. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“It’s like a good country club, football and netball, and a great environment to be in.

“Everyone is always up and about and love their footy, I’m really enjoying my football and feeling comfortable.”

After the opening month, Diggers sit second on the ladder with three wins and one loss, dropping a game to title rival Wallan.

The Burras face a challenging month with grand finalist Woodend-Hesket twice, ladder-leader Riddell, Kyneton and Romsey.

Campbell has been named in the best in each of the opening four games.

Together with fellow off-season additions, Campbell Wearne, Brodie Meyers and David Tyquin, looms as a key player in the club’s back-to-back premiership hopes.

He has been impressed with the standard of football in the league and hopes to add another flag to the collection.

“I haven’t seen every team yet but the teams we have (played) they seem to be good, well drilled,” he said.

“Everyone seems to move the ball well and I’m happy to be in a good side, so that helps.

RDFNL: DAWN TO DUSK: DIGGERS DENY MACEDON CHALLENGE

LEADER: GET YOUR RIDDELL DISTRICT FOOTY NEWS HERE

WRAP: SCARY MOMENT ENDS GAME, COUNTRY GUNS’ BIG BAGS

“(Another premiership) would be nice, I’d be lying if I told you that wasn’t part of the decision to come here.

“I’d love to win another one because my playing days are limited due to age and work.

“We’re in contention and hopefully we can be around the mark again.”

Diggers face Woodend-Hesket in the grand final rematch at Bloomdale Oval on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Lancefield hosts Melton Centrals as both clubs look to secure a first win of the season, Romsey takes on Riddell in a blockbuster clash of premiership contenders and Wallan faces Macedon.