Life Members
David Stuart was the dependable rock at the back who led by example. With 188 games and five goals, David’s strength was organisation and leadership, not finishing but when he did score, it was usually cause for wild celebration. Captain of both the Seniors and Reserves, David brought calm and authority, earning the trust of his teammates and the recognition of his coaches, with the Seniors players player in 1992, and the coaches award and the clubman’s trophy in 1995. His committee service and presidency, spanning from 1991-1998 showed he cared as much about the club’s future as he did about its defence. Think John Terry without the scandals: a true leader at the back.
Martyn Friend was Old Camberwell’s goal machine. With 230 goals across 325 games, Martyn lit up the forward line year after year. 9-time Seniors top goal scorer, 7 consecutive from 1986 to 1992, and 4 Thirds golden boots prove his eye for goal never dulled with age. Whether leading the line as captain in 1989 or helping from the sidelines as assistant coach, Martyn’s influence was huge, epitomised by winning the Clubman’s trophy in 1988. He was the club’s very own Alan Shearer: clinical, consistent, and relentless, scoring in a whopping 75% of his senior games. Defenders feared him, teammates adored him, and the stats speak for themselves.
With 371 games, Nicholas Gammaldi was one of Old Camberwell’s true ironmen. A player who seemingly did it all, defence, midfield, attack, he was the James Milner of his era: versatile, hardworking, and unflappable. As Reserves captain, 2 time reserves best and fairest winner, reserves players player, and even top goal scorer in different decades, 16 years apart, Nicholas proved age was no barrier to performance. His committee and executive roles further underlined his commitment, culminating in a stint as Club President. Whether winning Best and Fairest or banging in a cheeky goal, Nicholas always left his mark.
Kevin Brown was the bedrock of Old Camberwell’s defence. A no-nonsense, dependable defender who racked up 274 games, Kevin was like Tony Adams, commanding, reliable, and always there when the club needed him. His service stretched beyond the pitch: secretary, treasurer, president, if there was a role to fill, Kevin was first to put his hand up. With a Best and Fairest at both Senior and Reserves level, he proved he could mix it wherever he played. Scoring only five goals in over two decades, Kevin made sure when he did score, everyone remembered it.
The Swiss Army Knife of Old Camberwell, Simon Kirby was happy in goals, midfield or attack, sometimes all three in one season. With 287 games, 39 goals, and three Players Player awards, Simon was respected on and off the park. As coach, captain and president, he was as influential in the committee room as he was barking orders from the technical area. Known for being able to stop shots like Peter Schmeichel, boss the midfield like Roy Keane, and pop up with a striker’s goal when needed, Simon could genuinely do it all. A true all-rounder, and the kind of player every club wishes they had.
With over 300 games, two best and fairest’s, and three Clubman trophies, John Curry epitomised consistency and leadership. A midfield general with the engine of Steven Gerrard and the grit of Gattuso, John led from the front as Senior Captain in 1993. His 1993 Provisional League Best and Fairest was a crowning achievement, showing his dominance in the competition. Off the field, he served in multiple management roles and helped guide the Thirds and Veterans. Recently John’s even thrown the boots back on and got down to training this season, perhaps hinting at a twilight career resurgence. John’s dedication ensured that Old Camberwell always had stability in the middle, both on and off the pitch.
One of the founding players Alex McCall was integral to the creation of the club on and off the field. Alex served on the committee from 1984 to 2006 serving in multiple positions, including a 6 year stint as club president. On the field Alex was a defender through and through, 231 games played for the club, 2 clubman awards in 1984 and 1986, Reserves captain in 1992 and a staggering 6 goals. Alex was Old Camberwell’s Maldini, hair and all, putting all on the line for the club and leading from the backline. Through his time on the committee and playing, Alex amassed over 30 years serving the club and is well and truly deserving of this award.
Mark DeKretser was the heart of the midfield, a two-time Best and Fairest winner and 286-game club servant. Equally comfortable breaking up play in defence or pushing forward to score, Mark was Old Camberwell’s version of Vinnie Jones: commanding, competitive, and always inspiring those around him. Winning 2 best and fairest’s as well as one Players Player highlighted Mark’s excellence on the field. As captain, vice-captain, committee member, secretary, treasurer and vice president, Mark’s contribution stretched across two decades. His blend of on-field grit and off-field leadership made him one of the club’s most complete servants.