Campbell, a multiple All-Australian at country level, had not played a game this season when Knights picked him in the initial squad, but his reputation and form in three games since returning were enough to convince selectors.

The 31-year-old will also captain the side for the third straight year.

Knights said Campbell, who spent a year on Sydney Swans’ rookie list, was Victoria’s and possibly Australia’s best country footballer.

‘‘I’m a bit biased. ‘Campbo’ has virtually been involved with me since I started coaching this group,’’ Knights said.

‘‘I would debate strongly he’s the best player playing for Vic Country ... whether it be from performance, leadership, the quality of person he is off the field or with his experience on younger players.

‘‘He’s a fantastic footballer. He’s the full package, the real deal.’’

Campbell said it was a great honour just to be in the Victoria Country One team again, let alone as captain, and was surprised to make the initial squad in his injury circumstance.

He said there were times he doubted he would return to the field this year, but had worked extremely hard to make it happen.

‘‘To hear what (Knights) said and how they went about making the decision to give me a crack at it, having not played interleague and only limited games, it was pretty special,’’ Campbell said.

‘‘I’ve always held him in such high regard as a coach.’’

Knights watched Campbell’s comeback game — a four-goal effort against Nathalia last month — but said he was there more as support rather than to get a read on the 2011 Morrison medallist’s form.

Campbell also took joy in the fact four of his Echuca United teammates earned selection across the AFL Victoria One and Two teams.

Eagles Rowan and Farran Priest and Ryan Prendergast, who is an emergency, made the AFL Victoria Two side, as did Violet Town’s Pat Horsburgh, Moama’s Tyler Jones, Finley’s Ryan Bongetti and ex-Shepparton Swan Ryan Semmel.

The AFL Victoria under-19 side is also loaded with Goulburn-Murray talent.

Benalla trio Jake Pallpratt, Lachie Smith and Sam Martyn, Tatura’s Tom Miller, Shepparton United’s Chris Down and Matt Di Bella (emergency) and Finley’s Marcus Jackson made that team.

Kyabram backman Jason Morgan was one of the unlucky players to miss out on AFL Victoria One selection.

Knights said Campbell, Looby, South Bendigo’s Leigh Burke and Wangaratta Rovers’ All-Australian full-back Tyson Hartwig claimed the four key defensive posts.

Morgan’s clubmate Paul Newman and Tatura’s Tom Sullivan withdrew with injuries and Benalla playing coach Luke Morgan pulled out in favour of playing against Mooroopna on Saturday.

The Saints already had a player shortage due to Victoria Country commitments.

VAFA hung on for a six-point win over AFL Victoria Country One in their most-recent game at Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve two years ago after losing the previous four times, including two with after-the-siren goals.

‘‘We’ve picked the best side available and we’re very evenly balanced,’’ Knights said.

‘‘I don’t know too much about the VAFA side at this stage, but I know the last three times we’ve played them, over the last six years, each game has been decided by less than a goal.

‘‘That’s how competitive and evenly matched we are and I don’t see this year being any exception.’’

Campbell said VAFA had an advantage with players competing in the same league and being in close proximity to one another, but that would not be used as an excuse.

All three representative games are on Sunday.

The AFL Victoria Country One-VAFA Seniors and under-19s clashes are at St Kilda’s Junction Oval at 2 pm and 11.15 am, respectively, while AFL Victoria Country Two faces VAFA B to Division Four at Albert Park’s Harry Trott Oval at 11.15 am.