Media Room: Media Releases

MIDDLE EAST TROOPS PREPARE FOR FOOTY FINALS

Australian troops serving in the Middle East and Afghanistan are gearing up to support their teams in this year’s AFL and NRL finals.

While far from home and at the forefront of Australia’s commitment to the fight against terrorism, Australian troops serving in the Middle East and Afghanistan are following their teams’ progress with the usual passion of all Australian football followers.

“While the guys and girls are obviously focused on the job over here, there is always time to follow your team’s progress, particularly if they have made the finals,” Colonel Lindsay Morton in the Middle East Area of Operations said.

“Our soldiers, sailors and airmen and women are working around the clock in some pretty tough and uncomfortable conditions, so any reminder of home is something everyone likes.

“And footy – whatever the code – is something most people enjoy to watch, support and discuss, especially at this time of the year,” Colonel Morton said.

From remote forward operating bases deep in the Chora Valley in southern Afghanistan, to bigger bases at Tarin Kowt and Kandahar and across the wider Middle East, and even off the African coast on board HMAS Toowoomba, Australian military personnel will be watching, listening, reading about or discussing the footy finals.

“In some locations the troops may be able to see the games live, in others they’ll be following it over the internet or on radio,” Colonel Morton said.

“And for the troops who can’t catch the games live because they are on duty, they’ll be able to get the results from their mates or watch the replays.

“Colonel Morton said that no matter what teams make it to the grand finals, the best wishes from all personnel deployed across the Middle East and Afghanistan will be with those teams.

“Footy is a great part of the Australian way of life and we wish all players, teams and coaches the best of luck in their finals campaign,” Colonel Morton said.

And as for Grand Final Day itself, the various units will be doing different things depending on their operational commitments at the time.

“Some units and troops may be able to enjoy a BBQ breakfast and watch the game live, while others will be on patrol or duty,” Colonel Morton said.

“While it is a special day back home, for the majority of the troops it’s still just another day with a great deal of work to be done, much of it in a dangerous environment.

“Like the players on the day, we can’t afford to take our eye off the ball.”

Australian Forces in the Middle East and Afghanistan are deployed as part of Operations SLIPPER. Operation SLIPPER is Australia's military contribution to international campaigns against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.

Under Operation SLIPPER, our Forces contribute to the efforts of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) - led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. ISAF seeks to bring security, stability and prosperity to the country and aims at preventing Afghanistan again becoming a safe haven for international terrorists.

As part of Operation SLIPPER, our Forces also support the United States-led International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) efforts in the broader Middle East.

For more information about Operation SLIPPER see: http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opslipper/index.htm

Media note:

Imagery of Australian Troops celebrating the football finals is available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opslipper/images/gallery/2009/0924/index.htm

Vision will be available via Parliament House, Canberra from 12:30pm today. 

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664