Campbell, a Victorian by birth, was brought up in Western Australia and debuted for Subiaco in 1908.

[2] He started his VFL career at Carlton, appearing in the opening three rounds of the 1911 season.

[3] His first two league game ended in draws and the third was decided by a margin of just two points.

[3] Used as a forward, Campbell made an immediate impression at his new club and despite only playing the second half of the season was their leading goal-kicker with 25 goals.

[3] He would go on to become a lieutenant in the Australian Army, having volunteered to serve in World War II.