Somerville Football Netball Club is primed and ready to launch its 2026 season.
Under the leadership of club president Maddy Roberts and fourth-year coach Chris Gamble, prospects are bright for the club to make a positive impact on and off the field.
Coming off an eight-game winning run and a finals appearance in 2025, Somerville has retained its core playing group and recruited Somerville junior and All-Australian Michael Hibberd.
It has been 40 years since the club won its last premiership, and there is a strong resolve from everyone connected to the club to add another one to the trophy cabinet.
Maddy Roberts, President, Somerville Football Netball Club
“Heading into the 2026 season, I feel incredibly proud of where the Somerville Football Netball Club is at, not just in terms of football and netball, but as a whole club and community.
Over the past 12 months, a huge focus for us has been rebuilding our committee and volunteer base. Like a lot of local clubs, we rely heavily on volunteers and, I’ll be honest, it can be a lot. But what we’ve seen from our community has been unbelievable. The buy-in, the willingness to step up, and the genuine care people have for this club have been something really special.
Football netball clubs are not what they used to be. They cannot just run week to week anymore. They need to be run like organisations. That brings challenges, especially when you are relying on volunteers, but it also brings opportunity. For us, the way forward is clear: build a strong team around the club, lean into our community, and create something sustainable that can compete with the best.
At the same time, it is really important to me that we do not lose what makes local footy and netball so special. We want Somerville to be a place where people feel welcome. Somewhere you can come to watch a game, catch up with friends, bring your family, and genuinely enjoy being part of the club.
From a football and netball perspective, we have made a really strong investment in our programs heading into 2026. We have brought in great people, strengthened our coaching and support staff, and created an environment where success is expected, and I truly believe we will see that unfold this season.
There is no hiding from the fact that it has been 40 years since our senior football team last won a premiership. That is something we talk about. That is something that matters. And as a club, we are prepared to do everything we can to bring a flag back to Somerville in 2026.
More than anything, I am just really excited. Excited for what the season holds, excited for our people, and excited to see our club continue to grow into something our entire community can be proud of.”
Chris Gamble, Head Coach, Somerville Football Netball Club
“Heading into the 40th anniversary of the last Somerville senior premiership team in 1986 has seen a lot of activity both on and off the field.
On the field, the 2026 premiership challenge has seen a significant recruiting drive, including the return of favourite sons Michael Hibberd and Lachlan Sharp, along with high-profile recruits Lachie Williams and Max Kleverkamp. The club has also added Liam Stokes and Brad Ratabuli as it positions itself for a premiership tilt to break the drought.
Off the field, there have been extensive changes to the coaching department. I am delighted to enter my fourth year as senior coach. Our club has a new-look coaching team comprising Paul Crough in the midfield, Josh Collie in the back line, Brandon Levin with the forwards, and Will Shields in charge as reserves coach.
The under-19s will again be coached by Jake Haskett, who is entering his second year at the helm.
Expect the Eagles to play an exciting, fast-moving and high-scoring brand of football that excites our supporters and challenges the opposition.
The Somerville team is aiming high in 2026 and, off the back of an outstanding pre-season, is daring to dream of joining our esteemed 1986 premiership team by breaking the drought.”
Steve Crowe, Coach, Somerville 3rds
“I have been appointed coach of Somerville 3rds in the newly created competition. The team will play on Friday nights and will be made up of players who miss out on being selected to play reserves on Saturday, in addition to a large group of casual and past players.
This team is not going to be your typical footy team chasing wins and striving for a premiership. “Our vision is to engage blokes juggling family, work and everything in between.”
“Friday nights are going to be about more than the scoreboard. They will be about laughs and connection, whether you have played 200 games or none. Building on the social side of things, we envision this team adding another layer of community to Somerville FNC.”
Kathy Cross, Somerville Football Netball Club A and B Coach
“After a long build-up, it is finally here: season 2026. As the season is about to commence, we have four senior teams, A to D, and one junior under-17 team.
The girls across all grades have put in a mighty pre-season and are rearing to go.
Our dedicated coaches have developed training programs to bring our athletes to a competitive level, and the ball, pardon the pun, is now in their court to bring the effort, belief and passion.
Although we have not recruited any marquee players, we have retained a strong core. Beware the young Eagles. We are hungry and looking to shake things up this season.”
Jason Huf, President, Somerville Junior Football Club
“The Somerville Junior Football Club is eagerly counting down the days for what we hope will be a successful 2026 season, both on and off the field.
We welcome a fantastic new-look executive and general committee, which we know will deliver our players the best and most enjoyable junior football experience.
This season, teamwork, leadership and showing respect for one another are key focuses for our committee, coaches and the hundreds of junior Eagles running around each weekend.
We are committed to building not only better footballers, but great young people who can represent our club with pride in our community. We are very proud to be able to give so many girls the opportunity to play and learn through our Westernport Pumas program.
It is our responsibility to educate our kids by leading through example. In conjunction with the players’ parents, our under-14 coach Ryan Johnson has offered his team’s services for several community initiatives.”
Bill McMahon, a supporter’s perspective
Since settling in Somerville in 1961, Bill has seen, and been part of, the evolution of the town and Somerville Football Netball Club, as well as Somerville Cricket Club.
Since building on a block just down from Somerville Primary School and surrounded by paddocks and apple orchards, Bill has made an indelible impact on both clubs, with roles including president, secretary, bar manager and coterie group co-ordinator.
From 1996 to 2006, Bill initiated a marketing arm for the MPNFL, with the controlling body managing the distribution of gear to the clubs. That way, profits were channelled back into the competition rather than to outside interests.
According to Bill, “the club is in great hands and I’m looking forward to another successful season.”
