He grew up in the remote mining town of Gove, Northern Territory, but moved to Adelaide for high school, where he attended Christian Brothers College.

During this time, he was recruited to the Adelaide University Boat Club when one of the regular members fell ill.

[6] Fernandez' Australian representative debut came at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when he was selected amongst a number of other new faces in the men's eight.

In 1994 Batschi selected Fernandez and Nick Porzig in an Australian coxed four with David Weightman, Shane McLaughlin and with Brett Hayman on the rudder.

[7] Fernandez, Porzig, Hayman, Rob Jahrling, and Ben Dodwell remained in the Australian eight into the 1996 Olympic year and were joined in the crew by the Stewart twins and the New South Wales pair of Walker and Wearne taking over in the stern end.

[10][7] At Sydney 2000 with Fernandez at stroke, the Australian eight won their heat in a pace that blew away the eventual gold medallists Great Britain.

However, in the final Great Britain returned the favour and blew the Australian eight away in the first 1500 metres and having started slowly their late sprint home left them 0.8 seconds behind the Brits at the line and to take the silver Olympic medal in a thrilling finish.