The midcourter led the Otago under-21 team to back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012 but did not expect to be handed the reins for the senior side this year.
Shannon Francois was initially appointed captain but she was called into the Silver Ferns earlier this week, leaving Otago rudderless and with a very big gap to fill in the midcourt.
Crampton was asked to step in and described it as ''a big responsibility'' but a role which would be made easy because of all the support in the team.
''I've got a little bit of experience but not at this level, so this is a first for me,'' Crampton said. The 21-year-old is originally from Wellington but shifted to Dunedin to attend university in 2010.
A gifted athlete, she competed in the high jump and long jump at secondary school but shifted her focus to netball.
She was part of the New Zealand under-21 team in 2011 but, because she was ''about three weeks too old'', did not qualify for selection this year and missed out on going to the world youth championships in Glasgow last month.
Otago team-mates Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Storm Purvis returned from that tournament with a gold medal.
Crampton was called into the Steel squad as a replacement player in 2012 and was offered a contract for the 2013 season. Last week, she inked a deal to remain with the franchise for another year and will continue to be based in Dunedin.
She was also part of the Otago team which defeated Waikato 59-57 in the national provincial final last year and now finds herself leading the defence.
This year's tournament was to be staged in Invercargill but was shifted to Dunedin because of delays in the rebuild of Stadium Southland.
Playing the campaign at home no doubt adds some extra pressure, and the loss of Francois will be keenly felt.
''She is a big loss, definitely. She holds the team together really well and was going to secure that centre position. She is a really good link and great on defence and attack.
''But Harriet [Arbuckle], who we've brought in, will step up.''
Crampton's preferred position is wing attack but she may have to play centre depending on the mix coach Lauren Piebenga decides on. Sophie Napper and Miaana Walden are the other options.
''It is all very last minute and just a matter of days out from the tournament. But since we've all played together before, it is not a huge issue.''
Christchurch shapes as the biggest threat to Otago's prospects. It beat Otago by eight goals in a pre-season game and it has something close to a Tactix ANZ Championship side. Maree Bowden has also come out of retirement to boost the team.
Auckland is another team which looks very strong. Steel defenders Rachel Rasmussen and Phoenix Karaka form the most formidable defensive unit in the tournament, and with former Silver Ferns shooter Paula Griffin carrying the scoring responsibilities, Auckland could be the side to beat.
Waikato and Otago look on a similar footing talent-wise. and Southland and North Harbour cannot be underestimated.
The remaining sides look to be making up the numbers. An Otago invitational side has taken the place Bay of Plenty vacated and Otago B is also in the tournament. There are four teams from the Auckland region - Auckland, North Harbour, Waitakere and Counties Manukau - and three from Otago.
There are no teams from Marlborough, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, West Coast or Northland.
This is the first tournament since Netball New Zealand switched from the old provincial model to a new zone-based system which ties the regions to the five ANZ Championship sides. The poor turnout is perhaps an indication Netball New Zealand has some work to do to promote and grow the game at this level.
National championships: Otago's draw
Sep 30: v North Harbour, 9am; v Wellington, 5pm
Oct 1: v Christchurch, 5.30pm
Oct 2: v Otago B, 11am; v Counties Manukau, 7pm
Oct 3: Semifinals
Oct 4: Finals
*All games at the Edgar Centre
National championships
POOL A
Otago
Last year: Champion.
Coach: Lauren Piebenga.
Key player: The presence of classy shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit should ensure the defending champion is hard to beat.
Prospects: Might struggle defensively following the departure of Demelza McCloud, and the late withdrawal of captain Shannon Francois will leave a gap in the midcourt.
Christchurch
Last year: Fourth (as Canterbury)Coach: Margaret Foster.
Key player: Shooter Julianna Naoupu has struggled with fitness but remains a huge threat at this level.
Prospects: Evergreen midcourter Maree Bowden has returned from retirement and will lead a side that shapes as one of the early favourites. Beat Otago in a pre-season fixture.
Wellington
Last year: Fifth.
Coach: Marianne Delany.
Prospects: Avoided relegation in the old two-division system last season and looks to have a young team with most of its strength in the midcourt.
North Harbour
Last year: Second in division two.
Co-coaches: Yvonne Willering and Linda Vagana.
Key player: Shooter Malia Paseka partnered Otago's Te Paea Selby-Rickit to help New Zealand win gold at the world youth championships last month. She is a player on the rise.
Prospects: Will definitely be well coached and looks capable of upsetting some of the more favoured sides.
Counties-Manukau
Last year: Third in division two.
Coach: Robin Manihera.
Prospects: No star names but will have nothing to lose.
Otago B
Co-coaches: Alice Conrad and Jaye McAuley.
Prospects: Will be looking to steal a win against Counties Manukau during pool play and develop experience.
POOL B
Hamilton
Last year: Beaten finalist (as Waikato).
Coach: Margaret Forsyth.
Key player: Under-rated shooter Elsa Brown is one to watch. She did the bulk of the scoring last season and her combination with goal attack Jess Waitapu gives Hamilton some real strike power.
Prospects: Might lack individual stars but, collectively, Hamilton should put together a very strong campaign.
Auckland
Last year: Third.
Coach: Natalie Milicich.
Key players: Steel duo Rachel Rasmussen and Phoenix Karaka shape as the strongest defensive unit in the tournament. They are bound to generate plenty of turnover ball.
Prospects: Auckland has talent in the goal circle, too, with former Silver Fern Paula Griffin carrying the scoring responsibilities. Pencil in an Auckland-Christchurch final.
Invitational
Coach: Georgina Salter.
Prospects: The team took up the place vacated by Bay of Plenty. New Steel recruit Erena Mikaere has been whistled in to bolster the defence. The team also features the highly-rated Erwood twins, Abby and Sophie, from South Otago High School.
Manawatu
Co-coaches: John Atkins and Charissa Barham.
Prospects: The side will be led by uncompromising midcourter Katarina Cooper. Te Paea Selby-Rickit's older sister, Miriama, will help carry the scoring responsibilities.
Southland
Last year: Fourth in division two.
Coach: Reinga Te Huia.
Key player: Veteran wing defence Wendy Frew had a fabulous season for the Steel and will be joined by two of her sisters - Joanna Telfer and Alice Moeakiola.
Prospects: Southland has a strong midcourt and useful shooting combination in Ashleigh Smith and former Otago player Grier Campbell. Will push hard for a spot in the semifinals.
Waitakere
Co-coaches: Lisa Dullabh and Sheryl Hyndman.
Prospects: Very much an unknown quantity. Shooter Kendra Falefitu, who was a back-up shooter for the Magic this season, should help the team remain competitive.
