The Rise of Jonah ‘Joey’ Campigli: A Journey from Uncertainty to Stardom
If you had told Jonah ‘Joey’ Campigli midway through the season that he would be in contention for the Anytime Fitness Rising Star Award, he would have shaken his head in disbelief. At that point, Joey had already made a significant impact in Old Brighton’s Holmesglen Under 19s Premier team, booting an impressive 33 goals from just 9 games. However, he was prepared to remain in the Under 19s lineup, which ultimately went on to claim the premiership, content to bide his time in the shadow of the club’s all-conquering senior team.
A Rollercoaster Journey
Joey, now 20, is acutely aware of the unpredictable nature of football, a sport filled with dizzying highs and crushing lows that can emerge from nowhere. His football journey began in Hampton’s Under 10s, but when the team faced an overflow of players, he made the switch to the East Brighton Vampires from Under 11 onwards. “I played most of my juniors at East Brighton until Under 15s,” Joey recalls, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his development, causing the loss of two crucial seasons in 2020 and 2021.
Just as he was eager to return to the field, Joey faced another setback. “I used to always be one of the smallest on my team, so I generally played on the wing as an outside midfielder. In Year 11, I suddenly grew about 8 centimetres really quickly, which caused issues with my leg. I needed to have a tibial osteotomy in April 2021 and sat out of sport for another 12 months.”
A New Beginning
Emerging from his injury, Joey entered 2022 without a pre-season, focusing instead on school football with Brighton Grammar. His team had a remarkable season, culminating in a shared premiership after a thrilling Grand Final against Caulfield Grammar, where they came back from 46 points down. “Talk about footy’s rollercoaster!” he laughs.
In 2023, Joey joined his brother Finn and a group of schoolmates in the Under 19s at Old Brighton, where he continued to shine, booting 24 goals as a midfielder. His versatility allowed him to spend time in the forward line, ultimately earning him the team’s Best & Fairest and Goalkicking awards.
Breaking into the Senior Team
Despite his success in the Under 19s, Joey anticipated a return to the midfield for the 2024 season. However, with a wealth of midfield talent at the club, the coaches decided to utilize him as a full-forward. This shift required him to train with both the Under 19s and the Seniors while playing in the Under 19s for the first nine games. Joey polled coaches’ votes in six of those games, showcasing his potential.
“I like playing forward. Taking marks and kicking goals is exciting for me,” he explains. His previous experience as a midfielder proved advantageous, allowing him to win ground balls and apply pressure on opposition defenders effectively.
Joey’s breakthrough came in Round 9 when he was called up to the senior team due to a late withdrawal. He focused on executing the coaches’ strategies and managed to hold his spot, gradually becoming a key player in the senior lineup.
A Star is Born
Joey’s senior career took off in Round 15 against St Bernard’s, where he delivered a standout performance with 18 disposals, 12 marks, and 5 goals, earning him best-on-ground honors. “Everything just fell into place that game,” he recalls. “After that, I knew I could contribute to this team for the rest of the year.”
As the season progressed, Joey became a focal point for the Tonners, helping them secure the minor premiership before facing a tough defeat in the Grand Final. “We’re building,” he reflects on the team’s future. “We’ve made some progress this year, which will hold us in good stead for coming years.”
The Road Ahead
Despite the disappointment of the Grand Final, Joey thrived in the high-pressure environment. “I loved the crowd on Grand Final Day. The last time I played in front of that was the drawn APS Grand Final against Caulfield,” he shares, highlighting his passion for the game.
Club President Tom Clarke praises Joey’s work ethic and professionalism, noting how quickly he earned the respect of his senior teammates. “He doesn’t say much; he just goes about his business quietly and professionally,” Clarke states.
Joey concluded the 2024 season with 21 games and 49 goals, including 12 games and 16 goals in the Seniors, catching the eye of VFL and AFL recruiters. Coach Marcel Bruin emphasizes Joey’s potential, stating, “He has enormous upside and will be an incredibly difficult player to match up on as he continues to grow physically.”
A Grateful Heart
Receiving the 2024 VAFA Anytime Fitness Rising Star Award is a significant honor for Joey. “It’s a huge privilege. I thought I was going to play the whole year in the 19s, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to come into the senior team,” he expresses. He acknowledges the support of his coaches, teammates, and family, particularly his brother Finn, who plays alongside him in the Old Brighton senior team.
Joey’s journey from uncertainty to recognition is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and passion for football. As he looks ahead, he remains committed to improving and contributing to his team’s success, embodying the spirit of a rising star in the world of Australian rules football.
