Starting the year on the club's rookie list, the South Australian was elevated for round one and, when he finally played two weeks later, showed goal sense and tenacity fast-tracked by the previous season with North Adelaide.
It was evident why he had caught the Roos' eye.
At 174cm and 69kg, he made up for his size through sheer weight of performance and determination and, across 13 games, won the confidence of the coaching staff, his teammates and supporters.
Sound familiar? It could.
A third-round draft pick, perennial North favourite Brent Harvey followed a comparable path – beginning his career on forward smarts and challenged initially by bigger, stronger opponents.
Today, he's one of the most damaging playmakers in the competition and a perfect model for the exciting Campbell.
"I think Brent Harvey once told me 'You're not going to make a career as being a small forward' and I suppose he's one great example of doing that," he said. "He started in the forward pocket and now he's probably one of the premier little men in the league.
"We get along really well with each other.
"Hopefully I follow, not so much in his footsteps because they're pretty big footsteps to follow, but hopefully one day get up in the midfield and do a bit."
Eleven matches into this season, Campbell has rewarded the faith shown by Dean Laidley – playing an important role in attack with 18 goals and relieving teammates on the wing.
His work in the contests highlights a harder body and an ability to keep his feet, which the 21-year-old puts down to his preparations.
"[I did] a full pre-season this year, more weights and I suppose playing a certain amount of games last year just gives you that bit more experience. Just knowing that the more you're in the contest the more chance you are of getting the ball," he said.
"You lose your feet and you're out of the contest. And when you do get tackled ... you don't want [to get injured], especially for someone like myself who's light-framed."
Campbell's contribution is often heralded by North Melbourne supporters with his attack on the man creating opportunities for the Roos to counter.
Second in the side in tackles and with a high of nine against Melbourne, it's an area of his game he considers a priority.
Despite three goals from five kicks in the gritty clash with Geelong last Friday night – crucial in the absence of Nathan Thompson and Corey Jones, Campbell was ruing his defensive efforts.
"Kicking three goals is probably a good game for the mid-forwards but I thought my defensive pressure wasn't the best," he said.
"I was a bit disappointed in that. In terms of playing my role, offensively I did it, but defensively I thought I let the team down.
"I'm enjoying a good tussle with the captain, Adam Simpson, so hopefully I can keep him on his toes with the tackling and he can keep me on mine."
