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.