JASPAR WILSON-KEIR | MAY 27, 2026
Last night, Campbell Lake’s AFL dream became a reality, with the exciting Southport Sharks forward selected by St Kilda in the 2026 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
Taken with pick No.7, Lake becomes the third Shark in as many years to earn an AFL opportunity, following Tai Hayes’ selection by the Brisbane Lions in 2025, and Ben Jepson to the Gold Coast Suns at the end of 2024.
For Lake, the moment is the reward for a journey built on persistence, resilience and hard work.
Just days ago, the 22-year-old was balancing life as a part-time footballer with his work on the tools as an apprentice carpenter, continuing to chase his AFL ambition while starring for the Sharks in the VFL.
Now, he finds himself on an AFL list.
A Southport junior who also enjoyed stints at Labrador and Ormeau, Lake’s talent was identified early when he joined the Gold Coast SUNS Academy as a developing prospect, before later featuring in the SUNS’ 2023 VFL premiership side.
Lake returned home to the Sharks ahead of the 2024 season and quickly established himself as one of the VFL’s most dangerous small forwards, bringing speed, creativity and relentless pressure inside forward 50.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Campbell Lake of the Sharks attempts to mark under pressure from Taylor Duryea of the Bulldogs during the 2025 VFL Grand Final match between the Footscray Bulldogs and the Southport Sharks at IKON Park on September 21st, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Craig Dooley/AFL Photos)
His impact throughout the 2026 campaign has been impossible to ignore, with his consistent performances attracting attention across the AFL industry before his name was called on draft night.
Southport Sharks GM Football Operations Jarrod Field said Lake’s selection was a proud moment for both the club and the wider Southport football community.
“Campbell has been a fantastic contributor since his arrival a Southport. Not only has he been a great addition to our side on field, but he has made an equally big impact off it. He is someone you love to have around your club, it’s great to see him get an opportunity at AFL level. We wish him nothing but success.”
Describing him as a ‘terrific guy’ and an ‘incredibly hard worker,’ Sharks Head Coach Matthew Primus said Lake’s opportunity had been thoroughly earned through his commitment, consistency and professionalism.
“It’s a good reward for somebody who’s worked really hard on their craft. He’s worked his backside off to on the things he needed to improve from last year, and its paid dividends. It’s great to see him get rewarded.”
Across 51 games in the black and white, Lake kicked 36 goals and built an impressive resume at VFL level. He featured in Southport’s 2024 and 2025 Grand Final teams and also represented the Big V in the 2025 Smithy’s VFL State Game.
Lake’s selection adds another chapter to Southport’s proud history of producing AFL talent and reinforces the strength of the club’s VFL program as a genuine pathway to the highest level.
From junior Shark to AFL footballer, Campbell Lake’s journey is a story of perseverance, belief and hard work, with his next chapter only just beginning.
Congratulations, Campbell.
HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 16: Campbell Lake of the Southport Sharks and Cooper MacDonald of the Southport Sharks celebrateduring the 2026 VFL Round 08 match between Tasmania and the Southport Sharks at North Hobart Oval on May 16th, 2026 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Sebastian Kitchener/AFL Photos)
