While continuing to strive for on-field success the Fish Creek Football Netball Club has an important off-field focus in 2026.
More than two years since its clubrooms were destroyed in an arson attack, the club is still operating out of temporary facilities and working hard to move its rebuild project forward.
Rebuild sub-committee chair and club secretary Megan Vuillermin said the club had been built by volunteers over successive generations, from farmers using tractors to develop Terrill Park in the late 1950s, to members donating materials and labor to construct the clubrooms in the 1960s and 1970s, and countless improvement projects since.
“Historically our club helps itself. We see a problem, we come up with a solution, and we have the personnel to get things done.”
“Now, there are so many regulatory policies and procedures that must be adhered to. It’s disappointing that a criminal incident, that was completely out of our control has robbed our club, members and community of so much.”
“We are all frustrated by constant delays but are determined this vital community facility will be rebuilt sooner, rather than later,” Megan said.
The Kangaroos kick off season 2026 against traditional rival Foster on April 11, and in exciting news will field an Under 16 boys’ team, and for the first time, an Under 14 youth girls’ team.
Club president Travis Manne said the club had recruited strongly with Rhett and Jackson Weidemann – sons of former player Guy Weidemann and grandsons of club legends Peter and Maxine Weidemann – signing on, alongside Charlie Wilson – recruited from Warrack Eagles in the Wimmera League and housemate of current player Jaicob Kenny - and the returning multiple-premiership player Blaine Coates. Coaches are Jarrod Walker (seniors), Anthony Wilson and Chad Macri (reserves), Tom Cameron (thirds), Adam Bright (fourths) and Will Kranen (youth girls).
The news is just as positive from the netball court with Ivy Hunter coming across from Inverloch-Kongwak FNC and the appointment of coaches Amy Van’t Hof (A & B Grade), Beth Pratt (C Grade), Ashleigh Jordan and Kym Berryman (D Grade), Maddi Carew and Ema Hodgson (Under 17), Jasmine Manne and Nadia Wallace (Under 15) and Katie Hamilton (Under 13).
Important upcoming dates are the season launch on 14 February, the camp draft at Yanakie on February 21/22 and a practice match against Kilcunda-Bass at Fish Creek on March 21. Follow the club’s socials for more details.
