MELBOURNE has not ruled out early-season selection for experienced recruit Robert Campbell.

Campbell, who joined the Demons in last month's NAB AFL Rookie Draft, could soon find himself on the senior list thanks to the AFL rule that allows clubs to nominate a player for elevation in the absence of a veteran.

The Hawthorn premiership ruckman retired from AFL football at the end of 2009 because of a knee injury, but was thrown a lifeline by Melbourne after he regained full fitness with VFL side Box Hill last year.

Melbourne has just one listed veteran in 2011 - Brad Green - following the retirement of James McDonald and the departure of Cameron Bruce for Hawthorn.

Assistant coach Josh Mahoney said that although Campbell was drafted as insurance for Mark Jamar, the 28-year-old would still be considered.

"I think it depends on what is happening with our rucks at that stage," he said. "There is an opportunity there for any of our rookie list players to be upgraded at any stage because we only have the one veteran now.

"If it ends up being Robbie then that will be great for him."

Melbourne's other rookies include Daniel Nicholson, Michael Evans, Kelvin Lawrence, Cameron Johnston and Tom McNamara, who spent three seasons on the club's senior list.

Mahoney said Campbell had offered valuable guidance to his young teammates since his arrival at the club.

"One of the early things Dean Bailey said to Robbie is that we want him to be speaking up and asking questions," he said.

"[When] we spent a couple of days with the first-year players, going through education sessions, Robbie was sitting in there asking questions. That has been terrific for the young guys.

"They're learning a lot off him. He is generating a lot of discussion."

With 116 games behind him, Campbell has bolstered a young list that lost McDonald, Brad Miller and Bruce in the off-season.

"He is the second oldest player on our list and he has taken on that role very well. We have to continually tap into him because he is an experienced player and he has seen the ultimate success in winning a premiership," Mahoney said.