PORTLAND footballer Darcy Campbell wants to build on his Hampden league under 16 best and fairest win and push for a NAB League opportunity in coming seasons.
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The Tigers midfielder, who listened to the vote count while camping at Lake Charlegrack on Saturday, polled 22 votes to win from Koroit's Connor Byrne (20) and Hamilton Kangaroos' Deacon White (19).
LIVE COVERAGE: Hampden league best and fairest counts: Live coverage
Campbell said he wanted to don the Greater Western Victoria Rebels' guernsey in years to come.
"I did pre-season with the under 17s (this year) and tried out for two trial matches but didn't end up making the cut," he said.
"There was only one bottom-ager in George Stevens who made it. I ended up getting asked to play in a trial match in Ballarat for the under 16s team and got selected.
"We only ended up getting one game in because of COVID."
"I have a few mates who have played Rebels who I work with," he said.
"Jamo plays in the under 19s and just seeing him go most of the way and he's going to the draft combine in a couple of weeks too - I thought 'if he could do it, so can I'.
"I tried to follow in his footsteps as much as I could and I have family around me who are supporting me and a great club at Portland which is very helpful."
Campbell had collected five votes after six rounds and then stormed home with strong performances in the second half of the under 16 season.
The Portland Secondary College student said his form reflected the Tigers' fortunes.
"We started off badly, we lost five straight and then ended up winning five straight which was really good on the team's behalf," he said.
"It was good to have a reasonably good season (personally) and I was very surprised myself to poll so well.
"I would've thought the other boys would've polled above me."
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Justine McCullagh-Beasy
Sports journalist with an interest in feature reporting. Email: justine.mc@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Sports journalist with an interest in feature reporting. Email: justine.mc@austcommunitymedia.com.au
