Fernvale’s local footy scene is gearing up for a big milestone in 2026, with the Brisbane Valley Rattlers set to celebrate their 10th season at Fernvale Sports Park. The Australian Football League (AFL) club is preparing to kick off the new season, with families encouraged to head down to the park for matches and activities.
The Brisbane Valley Rattlers are a homegrown AFL club that has grown from the ground up since opening the sports park in 2016. With junior teams including Under 8.5s, Under 9.5s, Under 10.5s, and Under 11.5s (Mixed), the club is a cornerstone of community sport in Fernvale, a town of 3,629 people about 60km west of Brisbane on the Brisbane River.
The club, which aims to be “the pre-eminent place to play, watch and be involved in AFL within the greater Somerset Region,” is celebrating a decade of bringing AFL to the Somerset Region. The club’s official theme song, sung to the Richmond Tigers tune, even has locals humming the lyrics: *‘Oh we’re from Rattler Land, The Brisbane Valley we’re from Rattler Land.’*
Fernvale Sports Park, which cost $1.8 million to build, is a hub for multiple sports, including netball, cricket, and AFL. Opened in September 2016, the park was funded by the Somerset Regional Council ($1 million) and the Queensland Government ($800,000). The council has continued to support the park’s stakeholders, announcing it will donate $2 from every paid SRTC entry to Fernvale Sports Park stakeholders in 2026.
For those new to AFL, the season offers a perfect chance to see what the sport is about. The Rattlers’ junior teams will feature a mix of divisions, including Under 9.5s and Under 11.5s (Mixed), giving young players a chance to shine. The club is also looking ahead to future growth, with plans to introduce additional junior and senior teams in the coming years.
Families can catch the action at Fernvale Sports Park throughout the season. With footy games, junior clinics, and community events on the cards, it’s a great time to get involved. The club’s long-term vision aligns with the community’s love for local sport, ensuring Fernvale remains a tight-knit hub for AFL and other activities.
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