CAMPOREALE, Scott

Scott Camporeale was a former Carlton speedster who played 233 games for the Blues in 10 seasons to 2004 before he was picked up by Essendon in the 2006 pre-season draft. In his distinguished career, he won Carlton's best and fairest award (2000), best first year player award (1995), was All-Australian in 2000 and was a member of Carlton's premiership team in 1995. He was also selected to play International Rules in 1998.

Unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with Carlton, he arrived at Essendon as a free agent, the Bombers believing he would provide leadership to their young midfield. Unfortunately, he struggled to show his best form with his new club largely because of hamstring and calf injuries.

"Campo" as he was known, was restricted to just 12 games in his first year at Essendon, and on occasions, showed his old brilliance. Even at 31 years of age, he played with class and vast experience which were assets the young Bombers needed.

He played a further seven games in 2007 before incurring an ACL injury which required surgery and he opted for retirement rather than a long rehabilitation.

He spent the next three years as an assistant coach at Essendon, before returning to Adelaide in 2010 as the Crows' midfield coach. He became caretaker coach in 2015 after the tragic death of Phil Walsh but chose not to apply for the senior position, preferring to continue as an assistant coach. He was sacked by the Crows in October 2019, following a review into the club's football department.

Camporeale was inducted into Carlton's Hall of Fame in 2016.