[6] Two of his brothers, Cornelius and Leonard, were also gifted sportsmen, who also league football with Norwood and first-class cricket for South Australia.

[12] Chamberlain played for Norwood initially in 1909; but, during the year, he was relocated to Singapore through his work with the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company.

[13] While serving in Singapore, he played for the Straits Settlements cricket team, appearing in four matches against the Federated Malay States between 1910 and 1913.

After spending some time in Tasmania, Chamberlain moved to Sydney at the age of 17 and played Australian rules football for Paddington.

Playing as a forward, Chamberlain kicked 30 goals to top his club's goalkicking and fall just three short of league leader John Mathison from Port Adelaide.