Skip to main content
Start of main content.

Family footy rift

Kevin Campion is known as one of the toughest NRL players to have ever laced up the boots. He played in four grand finals for three different clubs (Dragons, Broncos, Warriors) and represented Queensland in State of Origin four times. 

Naturally, the league legend assumed his daughter Isla would follow in his footsteps, especially with the NRLW competition expanding to 10 teams in 2023.

But Isla, who is in year 12 at All Saints Anglican School is hooked on AFLW at Bond University.

“Obviously dad would rather I play league. But he loves me playing AFL surprisingly,” she said.

“He’s very supportive. My family love coming and watching me play.

“There was always the option that I could play league but I didn’t really want to go down that road. It seems full on. All the girls run straight at each other and tackle each other and they’re really tough. And that’s not what I want to do.”

Isla switched to football with the Bull Sharks after playing netball with Palm Beach.

“It is so good. I love it. My game has improved a lot. They really focus on skills at Bond so I’ve been working on that.

“My kicking and my handballing have definitely improved. That’s what I struggled with because I’m used to passing.

“The club culture is amazing, it’s very welcoming and everyone is really focused on supporting each other.”

The only person she doesn’t turn to for advice is her dad.

“He tries to give me tips, but I just leave it to the coaches. I don’t think he knows what he’s talking about,” she laughed.

Isla currently plays in the QAFLW reserves team but has ambitions to step up to senior’s next season.

More from Bond

  • Bull Sharks create history at Ballymore

    The Bull Sharks are the kings and queens of Queensland Rugby after claiming the historic premiership double.

    Read article
  • Picture gallery: Bond wins rugby grand finals

    The Bond University Bull Sharks make history by winning the club’s first men's Queensland Rugby Premier Grade Grand Final.

    Read article
  • The truck driving the premiership campaign

    Affectionately known as the 'truck', Matt Leskiw is the most beloved and toughest player on the Bull Sharks footy field.

    Read article
  • Bull Sharks eye history at Ballymore

    Rugby Grand Final preview: Bull Sharks chase a hat trick of premierships in Premier Men, Premier Women and 2nd Grade grand finals.

    Read article
  • Happy to be scrappy

    Jordan Lenac on why the Bull Sharks have embraced being a team of 'scrappers'.

    Read article
Previous Next