Campbell was one of Australia's most decorated indoor players, having competed in two world championships, and was a member of Australia's winning Asian and Commonwealth championship teams. He also played in Australia's qualifying team for the Athens Olympics.

The middle blocker set his sights on Australia qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but was so devastated on missing out, he crossed to beach volleyball and decided to give Aussie Rules a go.

"Not qualifying for Beijing was enough for me. I was gutted and decided to cross over to beach volleyball. Our preparation [for Beijing] was probably sub-standard and it showed in our performances. The Olympics is the pinnacle and we missed out when we really shouldn't have.

"I played footy for Beaumaris because of the training. I got through the first game unscathed, and in the second, I was decked and had my jaw dislocated. I had six stitches and couldn't eat for a week, but I'm glad I gave it a shot."

Campbell started his beach career last year in Adelaide and played five tournaments on the world tour before moving to Melbourne and making the Dandenong stadium his training base.

He teamed up with Cedric Legrand four months ago and the dynamic duo was the top team of the Victorian tour. They now have their sights sets on the world tour.

"The world tour starts in about two months and we plan to play in a few events to see how we go.

"Australia finished third at in the 2005 world championships, and together with Josh Slack, Australia's best player, coming out of retirement, we are aiming to

take Australia into a new era."

Campbell conducts one-on-one coaching at the Dandenong stadium and the Greater Melbourne Volleyball Academy, aimed at getting youngsters into national youth and junior teams, the pathway to the Olympics.