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Welcome back to another sensational Blues Brothers interview. Well after a petition signed by all 112,607 residents of Mackay in Northern Queensland was sent in to our plush office – we could no longer deny the masses. Everybody Loves Campa. So who are we to not jump onto his rapidly growing bandwagon! He’s known around the club for so many things since joining at the beginning of the 2008 season. Attributes such as his energy and commitment to the footy club, and his monster eyebrows! He’s also the Captain of the Blues Div 2 side, as well as President of the clubs Peanut Gallery. And let’s not forget he is an absolute dead ringer for Carlton Blues player Scott Camporeale!!! Really how could you not love this guy?

Thanks for coming in Campa.

Campa: Yeah mate no worries. I just hope I can survive this; rumor has it this is going to be a long & grueling process, similar to reading one of Jmac’s emails. Ha-ha, lol, lmao... 

BB: We always try our best to make all our guests feel confortable during our interviews Campa. Anyways let’s get into it shall we. As always we'll start with a hard hitting question. Are you or are you not related to the Carlton & Essendon footballer Scott Camporeale?

Surely these two guys are related!

BB: We reckon those brows are pretty similar! So the jury is still out on whether you guys are related or not... incredible likeness. Last season you were named Captain of the Blues Div 2 squad – has this changed the way you go about your footy – now that you have this added responsibility?

Campa: Well I think it was a great privilege to captain the blues div II. It certainly made me want to improve my game and leadership skills to another level. I think in the 2010 season the blues div 2 side will certainly be a side to be taken seriously and build on a strong foundation that was formed in 2009.

BB: Geez the PR people at the Blues really drill you guys well eh? A classic media trained response for a classic cliche question. I'll try and keep the cliche questions to minimum. You have been forunate enough to have the pleasure of living with Derek “George” MacDonald. Is it true he’s actually paying you rent to live in your closet?

Campa: Ahh georgie, is he still in the closet? Haha. No. “Derek” George Macdonald as far as I know is still paying rent for his own room to sleep in.

BB: Haha - aside from creeping in your closet and watching you while you sleep, what are George’s other bad habits as a housemate? Any funny stories about young George?

Campa: I’d have to say his ability to sleep through just about anything is actually quiet an amazing “gift” as most blues are aware, due to our constant late arrivals @ blues functions. As for funny stories... the only one I can think of without getting him into too much trouble would have to be going to a house party and not being able to go to the washroom, decided urinating off the 17th floor was a better option. However I’m sure people that know him best can tell a few more stories but I’ll keep it clean as this is a family club.

BB: According to Georgie's lawyers the it was only "alleged" that he urinated off the balcony. They also said there was absolutely no grounds of truth in this allegation and that they would defend it all the way to the supreme court of Judge Judy. So before we get into anymore legal troubldle let's change the topic, and change it FAST! You’ve been in Canada since the start of 2008. How much longer do you plan on staying in Canada?

Campa: Yes time has flown; it’s been 2 years now in Canada. I now have my unofficial Canadian citizenship (A Tim Horton’s card & I know Pizza Pizza’s phone number). Ha-ha. Umm at this stage I am planning on another year...or so. It is getting harder and harder as time goes by. I’ve met some amazing people through the club and made so many good friends. It’s like a big family.

BB: Thank god - we were starting to get worried that you would be staying here for good. Seriously mate, you're going to be missed the day you leave the Blues. What have been some of your favorite experiences in Canada during your stay so far?

Campa: Gee so many to choose from. Everything from Jmac’s epic emails, Ando’s antics on the footy trip & Knacker’s classic calls just adds to it all. I’d have to say that the one thing that does stand out would have to be the blues. Every good thing I have done in Canada is related to the club and the people I’ve met. All the places I’ve been and things I have done have had something to do with the club and it has really made my stay in Canada an amazing time. I owe the club a lot for the experiences I've enjoyed since moving here.

BB: Surely the camping trip to Algonquin on the May 24 weekend in 2009 was a highlight... so bloody cold it snowed . You must be trying to block that one out of your memory banks. Speaking of cold, late last year (2009) you headed down to Buffalo with a few Blues teammates to go see an NHL game with the Buffalo Sabres before catching an NFL game between the Buffalo Bills v New England Patriots the next day. Any highlights from the weekend you wanted to let us in on?

Campa: Ah the ultimate sporting weekend… in buffalo. It was a good trip, good to hang out with the blues boys. Friday/Saturday night hockey and a rather very cold bills game to finish off the weekend. I did however hear that the blues reporters were out in force that weekend? Perhaps you can fill me in on some highlights… Haha

BB: We in the press have very very tame itineraries on such trips - since we're actually working and most of us are married. You and the other single boys on the other hand are holding out on us. We'll be sure to try to squeeze some stories out of you at the next training session, or we have Jmac have you run lines if you continue to be selfish with this cone of silence act. Speaking of coach, have you actually read the whole BB episode with Jmac? And if so – how many breaks did you take?

Campa: Haha. Yes I actually managed to get through it in one “session”. I was however pre-warned. As much as I rib Jmac, he is a true blue great guy of the club. He puts a lot of work into the club. He has such a passion for the game and the club. It really shows. You can see how passionate he is to be coaching not only the blues football club but to be doing it with/for his mates

BB: Would you like fries with that order of kissiing butt? Talk about sucking up to the coach!!! You've changed Campa. So you actually come from sunny Queensland’s Hamilton Island. And being a Queenslander Aussie Rules was probably not the top football code for you. So what is your football code of choice? Rugby League (NRL) or Union (ARU)? Can you maybe let our readers know what the difference is? (Eg Which game requires players with thicker necks?)

Campa: I didn’t even know I came from Hamilton Island? I think your sources have got you there. Maybe too many nights in Buffalo for the Blues reporters? Haha

Yeah AFL isn’t the number 1 code in Queensland, but it has grown quite a bit in the last couple of years. Game for game out of ARU & NRL, I’d have to say Rugby Union (ARU) would be my preferred game. It’s a much more flowing game, a lot more tactical. But I enjoy watching NRL. I think even the Victorian fans of AFL like it too, even though they would never admit it. 

BB: OK - smartarse, you know we meant Mackay. I can't believe you just said Rugby Union is a more flowing game... it's just a bunch of fat-necks running into other fat-necks. Anyhow, let's say a Canadian decides to visit Mackay, as a local, what would you recommend for them to do during their stay? Is there even TV service there? And do they actually speak English in Northern Queensland?

Campa: It’s actually an exciting time for mackay right now. It’s been raining non stop for the last couple of weeks, so I’d have to say an umbrella would be a great investment. As for TV, we don’t see a need for that. We do have some of the world’s fastest Cane toad races in the world. Haha

But on a serious note, yes I am occasionally serious. Mackay is actually an amazing spot. Everything from tropical mountains, pristine rivers, amazing beaches and last but not least the gateway to the Whitsunday islands & Great Barrier Reef. The list is endless. I’m sure if a Canadian was to talk slowly they would be understood. But I would recommend talking to myself or Mark "Dobbo" Dobson for practice first.

BB: Woohoo - rain for weeks on end... sounds fun! Reckon you've licked a few too many cane toads in your time mate. Speaking of under the influence, can you let us in on the Blues Div 2 game plan this year?

Campa: I think this year will be a great year for the Blues Div 2. With the club attracting so much talent both on a local and international level all vying for a spot on the senior’s side; we’ll see an overflow of talented players coming for a run in Div 2. Not to mention all the hard work our regular Div 2 players have put in over the off season will pay off with better ball movement and understanding of the game. It’s an exciting time to be with the club. Go Blues 2010!

BB: Boris Terzic was our BB guest in episode #10 – where he had a fair crack at you with regards to those ridiculous mounds of hair on your forehead that you and Jase call “eyebrows”. So we thought we’d give you an opportunity to get BT back.  Given the Winter Olympics is currently being played out in Canada as we do this interview, we though that for our One-Words-Worth segment, you could name the Winter Olympics sport which the following Blues players would be most suited to:

Campa: Gee I think I detected a hint of jealously in your voice there. I’d have to say that as a club we all have some distinguishing features… how we can forget young Kenny’s hair cut… 

• Daniel Andersen – I’d like to say women’s hockey, but they are a gold medal winning team and his skills require some work. I’d also like to say men’s aerials, but as we all know Anderson is vertically challenged. So I’d have to say maybe an Olympic volunteer… at least we’d finally get some work out of him ha-ha
• Jason Caissie –  Mr RBC himself? I’d have to say cross country skiing, he has such a strict discipline and passion for exercise
• Derrick MacDonald – Is sleeping a winter sport? Or maybe winter texting?
• Kien La – Well he’d have to be in figure skating for sure. With his ability to move in mid air and spring footwork, he’d be a valued addition to the Korean team... haha
• Boris Terzic – AKA No: 1, for sure a curling kettle. He just seems made for it.

BB: Jealous of your eyebrows? Spare me! And who asked you to start giving new nicknames to the players??? Has Jmac sgned you you up as his Assistant Nick Name Giver? Spare me. Now the Blues have had massive response in the club’s women’s footy program. Do you reckon any of the girls will be up for selection into the Div 2s?

Campa: Given what we have seen in the preseason training. For sure. Some of the girls are marking and kicking the ball better than some of our men at preseason. Wouldn’t you agree Kenny?

BB: Do you think this will hinder Boris Terzic’s opportunities for game time?

Campa: Boris will always have a spot… behind the BBQ. Ha-ha

BB: Wow some very serious open hostility between the two of you... or could it be sexual tension? You and Jason Caissie are member’s of the Footy Trip Committee this season. Can you provide any insights to your plans for the highlight event of the footy season?

Campa: I’ll have to get back to you on that, just waiting for approval from the exec first before I divulge any information ha-ha. We have put some proposals forward, but until the Olympics are over we won’t get a response from the Canadians... hahaha

BB: As always we like to give our readers a chance to write in with question for their favorite player. Chippy wrote in with a couple of questions:

Chippy: Hi Campa, just wanted to say that your eyebrows are so damn hot. Anyways – can you let us in on why you like going to Buffalo so often?

Campa: Hi Chippy, Thanks for the compliment. Buffalo is truly the “big apple” of the USA. You just have to experience the vibe to appreciate it

Chippy: Also is it true that you went on a romantic getaway with Daniel Andersen down to… of course Buffalo? What did you guys get up to whilst down there?

Campa: It’s what I’d hardly call romantic. Daniel wouldn’t know the first thing about romance. We did go to buffalo again however it was for a wine and cheese gala dinner. Sponsored by “Plenty of Fish”.

Chippy: Also is it true that you use potato chips to ex-foliate when you shower? (Not that I’ve been watching you shower or anything… because that would be weird.)

Campa: Yeah I’ve heard that the blues reporters stoop to any level to get some juicy pics these days. Yes I actually didn’t know the benefits of a Lays Potato Chip bath until Daniel went through the science and explained the healing powers of chip oils. So ladies forget the expensive bath oils and soaps. Just ask Daniel to come round with a bag or two of Lays BBQ or Lays Dill Pickle and apply his new methods of bathing and you will be surprised.

BB: Well on that note, we’d better let you getaway mate. Thanks for coming in today. We’re proud as punch to call Scott Camporeale’s cousin one of the Central Blues very own. And we know the club loves having you around and look forward to a couple more years of you leading the Blues peanut gallery.

Campa: Yeah thanks no worries. Good luck Canada with the Olympics. Do you believe?