BRYCE Campbell’s season is over.
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The Corowa-Rutherglen coach won’t play again this year after suffering what he labelled the worst hamstring injury of his career on Saturday.
Campbell, 29, spent the rest of the weekend on crutches after tearing his right hamstring and will play no on-field role in the Roos’ first finals campaign since 2009.
“I’ll get scans later this week to see if I’ve torn it off the bone but I don’t think I’ll be running in a month, let alone playing,” Campbell said.
“I’ve never done a hammy like that before.
“It was pretty bad.
“I went down like I was shot.”
Campbell, who tore his hamstring midway through the opening term, was rapt with how his troops responded.
The Roos rallied in the absence of their coach, overcoming a quarter-time deficit of five points to run out 20-point winners.
Campbell, who has battled groin, shoulder and hamstring troubles all season, admitted he was disappointed with how his first season as coach had unfolded in a playing capacity.
He played just 10 games.
“It’s been pretty frustrating,” Campbell said.
“Obviously you want to be out there and lead by example.
“It’s been a bit of a battle all year.
“But my role now, going forward, is off the field and myself and (assistant) Troy Maiden feel like we can make an impact from the coaches box.
“It (the injury) gives me a chance to sit back and really coach.”
In a plus for the Roos, best and fairest contender Hayden Singe will return from a hamstring strain this week after withdrawing before Saturday’s contest.
However, Campbell said star midfielder James Brain — who hasn’t played since round 2 — still had plenty to prove before earning a recall from a serious knee injury.
“At this stage, we’re not planning for him,” Campbell said.
“It’s really a day-by-day thing.”
Campbell said the Roos would take plenty out of Saturday’s win over the side they’ll almost certainly play in this year’s elimination final.
“It was a good confidence boost going into the finals,” he said.
“Our last three games are ideal and exactly what you want going into the finals.
“North are no pushover on their day and coming up against Lavington in the last round will be a good test.”