Heath, 19, underwent a knee reconstruction in March last year while he was completing his Year 12 studies at Gippsland Grammar in country Victoria.
Despite being drafted at No.61 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, Heath only joined the Swans full-time in late November and it hasn't taken him long to make an impression.
Swans coach Paul Roos revealed that club leaders Brett Kirk, Adam Goodes and Craig Bolton - who also serves as Heath's mentor - had pushed strongly for the young defender's inclusion at match committee this week.
"It's always encouraging when the young players know the captains want you in the side as well," Roos said on Thursday.
"He's a real tough player and physically, he's quite mature at 85, 86 kilos. He's not like your normal first-game rookie.
"We've obviously seen guys like Gary Rohan and Lewis Jetta - Lewis is about 48 kilos and Gaz is a bit bigger than that - but Campbell's certainly got an AFL body for a start."
Heath said he received hints that he was nearing selection in the past month but he tried to ignore the prospect of realising his childhood dream.
"The boys gave me a few indications that I was close to becoming a senior player and last week I was an emergency, so it sort of popped into my mind. But I've just been focusing on my footy so far and it's great to get a game," he said.
"Coming out of school last year, I wasn't really expecting to play that many games this year, if at all, but I'm really excited to be playing this close to the start of the season."
The 188cm defender won't be short of advice as he approaches Saturday's game, with housemates Shane Mumford and Lewis Jetta sure to bend his ear with tips about playing at senior level.
Roos said Heath was likely to play across half back and push into the midfield, in similar fashion to the reserves performances with which he demanded senior selection.
"He came in and played seconds games when he was ready to play but we took that sort of softly, softly with him," Roos said.
"He's really forced his way in with his performance, his training and his games. It is a surprise how quickly he's come on in such a short space of time."
The youngster said he was simply focused on following the Swans' mantra.
"Just to play my role - that's what the Swans are all about, just playing your role and sticking to your job and hopefully we get over the line," he said.
"It's a bit of a shock to the system. I'm sure the nerves will kick in tomorrow at some stage but I'm looking forward to it."
