Five months ago, Tom Campbell's AFL career was in the balance. 

He'd just been delisted by the Western Bulldogs, and with most clubs already having close to full lists, it seemed potential opportunities were few and far between. 

Enter North Melbourne. 

“The experience of finishing up at the Dogs, and then being in the footy wilderness was really tough,” Campbell told North Media.

“But to get the call from North telling me I would get the opportunity was a dream come true.

Campbell was given a second chance by the Roos in the supplemental selection period in early December, and as they, the rest is history. 

"It's felt like that dream has kept on rolling on," the 27-year-old said, ahead of his first appearance in the royal blue and white. 

“To be making my debut for the club in Round 2 is just fantastic, and I can’t wait to get out there." 

Campbell has been an impressive performer in pre-season, both on the training track and in practice matches, and says receiving the call-up to play for his new club is a moment he'll never forget. 

“I got called into Brad’s office to have a chat, and he told me that I would be making my debut for North Melbourne," he revealed. 

“The conversations that I have had with Brad were positive from the start, and he said to just put my best foot forward and he will pick the best team that he sees every week. 

“That gave me a lot of confidence to put in my best performances on the park. 

“It was really exciting, and I can’t wait to get out there on Sunday.” 

With North’s forwards finding the going tough against Fremantle, Campbell will provide a different look alongside Ben Brown and Jack Ziebell.

“I think that being able to provide another physical target in attack will help the team, and I hope to do that," he said. 

“For me it’s about competing in the air and bringing a big physical contest, which is something that's core to my game, and something I can’t wait to bring on the weekend."  

The 200-centimetre tall will also provide support to Todd Goldstein in the ruck.  

“We know that Goldy (Goldstein) is one of the elite runners in the game, but if I’m able to help him out that will let him be fresher, and we can use his elite attributes for longer in the game," Campbell added.  

“It’s incredibly exciting. It was a really difficult 2018 season for me, so to get the opportunity to get back out on Marvel Stadium is really exciting.”