But the rookie Corowa-Rutherglen coach will be disappointed if the Roos don’t build on last season’s four wins and a draw.

Campbell has already seen a significant shift in attitude and professionalism since arriving from Norwood and hopes that translates to premiership points when the club launches its Ovens and Murray season against Wangaratta on April 12.

“We want to keep improving and learning,” Campbell said.

“We have a long way to go, but our numbers have been good.

“I’m not privy to previous years, but from all reports they are up with 30 to 40 senior blokes on the track.

“Since the start of pre-season there has been a major change on and off the field.

“The players have a good understanding of how they should conduct themselves and there is a real thirst to learn and they have.

“They have come a long way.

“The fact they have a good attitude is something that excites me.”

While Campbell is banking on the natural improvement of the club’s youngsters, he is genuinely excited by what the Roos’ recruits have brought to the table.

Key forward Luke Gestier, midfielder James Brain and defender Alastair Austin have been among the pacesetters on the track and will have a big say on whether the club can press for finals action.

“The fact they live in the area and can train is very important,” he said.

“Luke lives in Corowa, Brainy and Al are in Oaklands and Chris Marshall travels from Jerilderie.

“You can build a culture having people living here.

“They are professional in the way they go about their footy and the local boys haven’t been exposed to that.

“It will be a fair bit different to last year’s side I would imagine with those players coming in.”

Campbell, whose father Russell coached Albury to the 1985 premiership, shapes as a massive inclusion for Corowa-Rutherglen as well after playing more than 100 SANFL and eight AFL matches for Adelaide.

He said he was excited rather than daunted by his first foray into coaching.

“There is plenty to learn and you only learn by your mistakes along the way,” he said.

“I think it’s important to set yourself up right off the field, and we are in the process of doing that.

“I have found it really enjoyable so far by seeing the gradual improvement.

“The acid test will come when we are playing games though.”