Robert Warnock

Robert Warnock
Personal information
Full name	Robert Warnock
Date of birth	19 January 1987
Place of birth	Black Rock
Original team(s)	Sandringham Dragons (TAC Cup)
Draft	No. 42, 2005 National Draft Fremantle
Height / weight	206cm / 103kg
Position(s)	Ruckman
Playing career^1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
2007–2008 2010–2015 Total	Fremantle Carlton	21 0(4) 67 (13) 88 (17)
^1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2015.

Robert Warnock (born 19 January 1987) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for 10 years in the Australian Football League (AFL) with Fremantle Football Club and Carlton Football Club

A very tall tap ruckman, at a height of 206 cm, Warnock played TAC Cup football for the Sandringham Dragons. He was recruited to the AFL by the Fremantle Football Club with the number 42 draft pick in the 2005 AFL Draft. Warnock slipped to 42 in the draft due to his very light frame (80 kg). Warnock played the entire 2006 season with his assigned WAFL club, West Perth.^[1] He made his AFL debut for Fremantle in Round 6, 2007 against the Brisbane Lions.

Warnock was regarded as one Fremantle's key future prospects, averaging ten hitouts per game in his first season of senior football. He was awarded the Beacon Award for 'the best new talent' at the 2007 Doig Medal awards night.^[2]

Warnock had wrist surgery before the start of the 2008 season which delayed his start to the year. He played only two of the first ten games as Fremantle preferred to select Daniel Gilmore, Michael Johnson or Kepler Bradley ahead of Warnock as Aaron Sandilands' ruck partner.^[3] Warnock returned to the team for the second half of the year but a shoulder reconstruction ended his season premature. After constant media speculation that he would return to Melbourne,^[4] Warnock confirmed this at the end of the season.^[5]

Warnock was considered one of the best young talents in the league and was the biggest move of trade week. On the final day of 2008 trade week, Warnock was traded to his preferred destination, Carlton Football Club, on a highly lucrative 4 year contract. The deal saw Warnock and Fremantle's No. 69 draft pick, in exchange for Carlton's No. 24, 56 and 72 draft picks in the 2008 AFL Draft.^[6]

Warnock had pre season ankle surgery in 2009. He was subsequently struck down by stress fractures in his foot during his first pre-season with Carlton, and missed the majority of 2009. He eventually played a handful of games with Carlton's VFL-affiliate, the Northern Bullants, late in the season, but did not make his debut for the Blues.^[7] Warnock had post season ankle and shoulder surgery which delayed his start to the 2010 pre season.

He made his senior debut for the club in Round 1, 2010 against Richmond.

Warnock had an inconsistent 2010, playing twelve matches for Carlton during the season. He started the season as number 1 ruckman but was dropped due to form. He returned later in the year and finished the season strongly. Warnock had an excellent final series in 2010, being one of Carlton's better players.

Warnock assumed the No. 1 ruck position on a permanent basis in 2011, playing twenty games. ^[8] Warnock again had an excellent finals series.

Warnock had both shoulder's reconstructed at the end of 2011 which delayed his start to the 2012 season.

Warnock had his 2012 season cut short due to a shoulder reconstruction and ankle surgery. Warnock re-signed with Carlton in 2012 on a lucrative 3 year deal.

Warnock played 12 games in 2013 due to a knee injury sustained mid year. He returned at the end of the year and again had an excellent finals series.

Warnock played the first 16 games of the 2014 season. However, due to a lack of form, he finished the year with Carlton's VFL affiliate side.

Warnock only played 2 games in 2015 due to a shoulder reconstruction.

He was delisted in October 2015.^[9]

Warnock retired from football at the end of 2015 due to medical advice.

Warnock is the brother of AFL footballer Matthew Warnock, who played for Melbourne and Gold Coast.

References

1. "Robert Warnock". Blueseum. 29 Jul 2011. Retrieved 5 Aug 2011.
2. Fremantle List of Club Awards
3. Hope, Shayne; Warnock left out of Freo squad again; The West Australian; 2008-05-16
4. Niall, Jake; Dees head list for Freo ruckman; The Age; 2008-04-29
5. AAP; Freo's Robert Warnock wants trade back to Melbourne; PerthNow; 10 September 2008
6. Adam Cooper and Sam Lienert (2008-10-10). "Prismall a Bomber, Warnock a Blue". Fox Sports. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
7. Grant, Robert (19 August 2011). "Carlton midfielder Mitch Robinson has foot stress fracture, gone for the season". Courier Mail. Retrieved 19 Jun 2011.
8. AFL Tables, 2011 Stats - Player Lists - Carlton, Retrieved 19 Sep 2011.
9. "Final list changes". CarltonFC.com.au. Bigpond. 28 October 2015. Retrieved 28 October 2015.

External links

• Robert Warnock's statistics from AFL Tables