O Captain! My Captain! Moorf brings up 150

It’s a rare feat for a player to reach 150 games at the Blacks – rarer still for back-to-back milestones of such magnitude. But as the 2025 season draws to a close, that’s exactly what we’re being treated to. Fresh off Joel Ernest’s 150th game last week, his close mate and fellow defender-turned-utility Campbell Moorfield (affectionally referred to as Moorf, Campbell or Zoltan throughout this article) will reach his own 150-game milestone this weekend in the final round of the season at Toorak Park.

While no two journeys are identical, there are some striking similarities between Jets’ and Moorf’s time at the Blacks. Both sport trademark facial hair, both share a fondness and aptitude for The Age Good Weekend quiz, and both have cemented – and continue to build upon - their status as undisputed club icons. As Moorf follows in Jets’ footsteps and reaches this significant milestone—one that speaks not only to longevity but to legacy—let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey that brought him here.

1. Formative years at the Club

Raised in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs and the son of a former Blacker—and Blacks’ Best & Fairest winner in his own right—it might have seemed inevitable that Moorf would pull on the black and blue. But his path was far from a foregone conclusion. A standout at Fitzroy Junior Football Club with a stint at the Calder Cannons, he had no shortage of opportunities or suitors. In the end, it took some gentle persuasion from the godfather, Ray Wilson, to sway him and result in a 17 year-old Moorf arriving at the club, eager to test himself in VAFA’s top tier.

Though clearly talented, Moorf’s first year at the Blacks played out much like any first-year senior campaign for a precocious teenager - solid contributions in key senior wins, mixed with commanding performances in the what can only be described as moral victories in the Under 19s (for context the 2016 Under 19s walked so today’s Under 19s juggernaut could run).

Off the field, though, Moorf may have learned even more. Quietly absorbing the habits and standards of club greats like Pitt, Drysdale, and Mahon, he took everything in—watching what made these players icons, and how they carried themselves around the club.

By season’s end, one thing was obvious: this kid was the real deal. His maturity, his commitment, and his ability to connect with teammates many years his senior meant even the most cynical Blacker would’ve pencilled him in for 100+ games in black and blue.

Upon reflection, only one question arose in regards to Moorf’s first year at the club Was this man really only 17? A passion for dark ales, a timeless wisdom, and a stubborn 5 o’clock shadow had us all wondering…but we digress.

2. Ascension to star key back

Moorf’s rise to elite status always felt inevitable. After cutting his teeth in the 19s and Reserves, he quickly transitioned into a permanent senior role—emerging as one of the most dependable names on the team sheet.

After two seasons of steady development—highlighted by a Rising Star nomination on what was otherwise a bleak yet infamous day at Brindisi Oval—Moorf truly announced himself to the broader VAFA world in a breakout 2018 season. A year where he was frequently assigned the toughest defensive matchups, he blended steely one-on-one defence with his signature intercept play, routinely nullifying the opposition’s most dangerous forwards. This combination was at its undeniable peak during the heart breaking 2018 preliminary final, where Moorf was a clear best-on-ground for the Blacks, delivering a defensive masterclass against a highly touted opponent.

In a surprise to absolute no-one in the inner sanctum of the Blacks, at the start of the 2019 season, Moorf was named vice-captain at just 20 years old (allegedly). Not long after, with co-captains Jordan Quaile and Josh Steadman sidelined, Moorf was thrust into the role of captaincy as he lead the Blacks out onto the Main. Given his youth and the experienced group around him, some teething issues would’ve been understandable if not expected but any doubts were quickly put to rest - Moorf’s dedication to both his game and the club didn’t just fuel his outstanding performances; it also earned him the deep respect of teammates and the wider Blacks community alike.

The next few years brought frustration as COVID derailed two full seasons across the VAFA. While many players struggled with the missed opportunities, Moorf used the enforced break to refine his game and return physically transformed—picture Jarrad Grant to Chad Cornes. That investment (literal investment in gym equipment) paid off in spades, laying the groundwork for a remarkable 2022 campaign. It was a runaway Cordner Medal season from Moorf, the centrepiece of a dominant Blacks resurgence that culminated in long-awaited promotion back to the VAFA’s Premier Grade.

Such was his dominance and gravitas that Moorf has throughout the league, that it became common place to see five Blacks defenders lining up man-on-man – while number 39 stood (or rather dictated) where he so desired, often shadowed by a poor sacrificial lamb from the opposition whose job of nullifying Moorf was unenviable at best and futile at worst.

3. Leadership and Life in Premier Grade

With a middle name like ‘Zoltan’ (Hungarian for ‘ruler’ or ‘king’), perhaps it was destiny that Moorf would take the reins as co-captain in 2023 – then sole captain soon after. With his calm demeanour and measured leadership, he brought belief to a young group navigating the challenges of A-Grade football.

Such is the continued on-field excellence of Moorf, his impact over the past three-seasons might be summed up like this: Moorf has been Moorf. A victim of his own lofty standards he’s upheld, it’s easy to oversimplify and understate the role that Moorf has played in solidifying a young Blacks’ outfit as a Premier team.

Back-to-back team of the year selection, multiple Cordner podium finishes and three Big V representative team selections say it all. It’s not an overstatement to say that if you take our southpaw superstar out of the equation, the outcomes of the past few relegation battles may look very different.

4. The Man Beyond the Main

As tradition dictates with any proper milestone celebration, it’s only right we look beyond a player’s on-field feats and delve into the person behind the Blacks jumper. And when it comes to Moorf, there’s certainly no shortage of material. A property mogul, financial savant and manager of many capable to above-capable fantasy NFL/NBA teams – it’s one hell of a resume. Oh and how could we forget that earlier this year, Moorf became engaged to his long-time partner Ruby – a momentous life event that, in hindsight, likely warranted a mention before fantasy sports accolades – but alas.

Ruby’s impact on the club also deserves its own recognition. A constant presence at Clyde sessions, a fearless leader among the partners at the pavilion, and often Moorf’s unofficial Uber driver, Ruby has become an integral part of the Blacks family. Her unwavering support and involvement have not gone unnoticed, and we’re genuinely lucky to have her in the fold.

As for Moorf himself, his contributions to the club go well beyond the scoreboard. If the saying ‘you get out what you put in’ holds any truth, then such is his tireless commitment Moorf must be getting everything and more from the Blacks. He’s served on the committee (even braving a stint as Treasurer), rarely if ever misses a club obligation or gathering (no matter how big or small) and even had a brief yet eventful turn as host of an infamous after-Clyde party (the location of which was described by Jesse Pinkman as ‘homely’). In fact, I suspect that you’d be hard pressed to find a WhatsApp at the club that doesn’t involve Moorf – he truly is deeply embedded in every corner of the club.

5. A Blacks Icon

Earlier we touched on the Blacks greats that Moorf admired when he first joined the club. These days, it's fair to say Moorf is one of those figures. His on-field achievements speak volumes: a Cordner Medal (plus multiple podium finishes), Big V honours, selections in VAFA Teams of the Year, and a laundry list of accolades to match. But beyond the accolades, it’s his unwavering care for his teammates and his selfless approach to club life that truly define him.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Moorf is marching steadily — if not already firmly planted — toward Blacks Hall of Fame territory. And while there’s some debate (and disbelief) around him only recently turning 27, there’s no doubt the club is still to benefit from many more seasons of Moorf in the black and blue.

All the best for tomorrow, Moorf. This milestone is richly deserved, and we’re all deeply thankful for everything you continue to give to this club.

Without further ado, we now bring you a Q&A with the great man himself. Enjoy!

Q: Hello Moorf – firstly congratulations on joining the 150 Club. Your pace to 150 is in keeping with the speed of your first 100 games: very quick. Can you calculate for us how many Blacks games you have missed since joining in 2016? (Not including games lost to the pandemic.)

A: I’ve missed 4 games, 3 through suspension in 2019 and 1 through travel in 2018. I’ve been very fortunate to not miss through injury over the journey (touch wood), but I’m pretty sure that it’s just because I can’t run fast enough to do a soft tissue injury.

Q: In 2023 you said you had a very specific ball bouncing routine that gets you fired up pre-game. Is this still the case or have you added more to your repertoire?

A: I’ve maintained my ball bouncing routine, but try and get it out of the way a bit earlier nowadays so that I can spend more time getting around the boys.

Q: How have you viewed the team’s and your own overall performance in 2025?

A: From a team perspective, it’s been a really satisfying year seeing the progress and growth from the group after our last few seasons when breaking even was probably a win. We put ourselves in a position to play finals in A grade which we hadn’t been in for almost 10 years, and although we weren’t quite able to pull it off, it builds confidence that we’re heading in the right direction.

Personally, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of playing a different role up forward and as second ruck, but still a long way to go until I feel as comfortable in those roles as I do down back.

Q: Which current younger Blacker do you see and think to yourself “gee that reminds me of my younger self”, either for on or off field resemblance?

A: Not sure that I’d want to wish that upon anyone! But we do have a lot of young guys that have really impressed me this year and are streets ahead of where I was at the same age. Two that come to mind are: Baxter Aurisch & Jonah Wentzel - both are naturals behind the footy and really good characters off the field. Looking forward to seeing them both play a lot of senior footy in the next few years.

Q: In 2023 you said your favourite Blacks memory on/off field was the 2022 Qualifying Final win vs Beaumaris and the hours after in the rooms/at the Clyde. Have you got any new favourites from the last 2.5 seasons?

A: We’ve had so many good ones since making it back to A grade, but the one that stands out most for me was beating the Blues for the first time last year. I’d say that I had almost come to terms with the fact that we would never beat them in my time at the Blacks so the overwhelming feeling of relief and satisfaction was immense. To follow that up by beating them 3 times in a row has been great and really solidified our standing in A grade.

Q: Bringing up 150 games invariably means 150 plus meals at the Clyde. Are you able to pin point food wise, your favourite go to’s + forgettable creations over the journey?

A: The Clyde has never really been known for its vegetarian food so there have definitely been some forgettable creations, but have landed on some safe options on rotation, being the eggplant parma and the chickpea curry.

Q: You are a very talented and skilled player for the Blacks and have been for a long time, however your style of play/what the team needs from you often results in you finishing a game with zero tackles. When was the last time you tackled someone for holding the ball?

A: Haha it was actually 2 weeks ago vs the Blues! The 2nd ruck minutes have been great for the tackle numbers. But before that it was likely multiple years since a holding the ball tackle. I can recall a chase down tackle I had in a practice game in 2019 against Fitzroy which probably gives an indication of how rare it is.

Q: Personal achievements and recognition are nice, but we know that is not why you play the game. Nevertheless, your career resume at the Blacks is stacked. Which personal achievements are you the proudest of?

A: Being named as Captain was the most proud I’ve been, especially given the quality of the captains I had played under (Mahon, Quaile, Steadman). To be thought of in the same high regard that I hold those three is pretty humbling and something I don’t take lightly.

Q: Toughest opponents you have played on over the journey? Match ups you most looked forward to?

A: I’ve been lucky enough to mostly play the role of matching up on the worst forward so that I could free myself up, while my other defenders have taken the tough match ups and collected a list of scalps. But in recent years the test of playing on James Stewart from the Blues has been something I’ve really looked forward to.

Q: All time most memorable coaching moment from your career?

A: One key memory that sticks out was in 2017 when we made our season theme “climbing Black Dog Mountain” and Robbo created a graphic before round 1 showing us at base camp with the route up the mountain being denoted by wins. We had a few close losses in the first couple of rounds where Robbo would update his graphic each week to show us as retreating back down the mountain, then I reckon it was thrown in the bin by round 4 when we started 0-4. It was one of many character building moments (i.e. well deserved sprays) that year.

Q: Favourite all time Blackspot moments?

A: The portrayal of Scoot Myers as a sniper firing at blokes from his clock tower, a metaphor for him collecting subs, was an all time segment. More recently, any time Ron gets the mic is memorable.

Q: When you joined in 2016, it is fair to say you were besotted by names like Pitt, Richardson, Drysdale and Mahon (to name a few). At the Blacks, with all the coming and going of players, you can become a veteran quite quickly. At what point did you realise “shit, I am a veteran now and younger guys will look at me like I used to look at Pitty”?

A: Yeah it happened very quickly. I remember in 2021 there were games that we played early in the season where I was the youngest out there at 22 years old, then by the time we came back for preseason in late ‘21, I was looked at as a leader. COVID definitely took away some prime years - we’d be talking about game 180 by now if not for it!

Q: Lastly, are there any special thank you’s you’d like to shout out to ahead of your big game?

A: Plenty of thank you's - I’ve been fortunate to have heaps of support through the journey so far. First must go to Ruby, now my fiancée, for proofreading my answers here, just another example of her unwavering support since before I got to the Blacks. I give her all the credit for me learning how to kick during the COVID lockdowns, as for someone with many talents she’s pretty bad at catching a footy, which meant I needed to practice putting it exactly where her hands were otherwise we’d have to go chase it. Next, to my family, who missed my prime years in B grade due to living overseas and now that they’re back, have to watch me struggle to get a kick at full forward. Lastly to the teammates, coaches and broader Blacks community that welcomed me when I was 17 and continue to support me to this day, I am forever grateful and hope that I can play a small part in ensuring the Blacks remains a special place into the future.