Army’s Pte Shane Bramley leaps for the ball knocking Navy’s LS John Robertson out of the way in a spectacular attempt to mark. Navy went to down Army in the final 14-14-(98) to 7-3-(45).Photo by Michael Weaver, service newspapers

Flying high in the sky
17 years undefeated for Army AFL side

By Cpl Alisha Carr
and Michael Weaver

THE Army can boast the ADF’s top Aussie Rules players after smashing the competition at the National Titles recently in Canberra.

Army team coach Sgt Andrew Potter said he had a huge amount of praise for his players after their win against Navy in the final.

“We stuck to our game plan and we were disciplined footballers,” he said.

“We achieved the result we set out to, so I was very pleased with the way the team did business.

“Team captain Cpl Daniel Ferguson, RMC, was named best on ground for the carnival and he definitely stood out as a tough competitor.”

With 12 new players in the side, it was always going to be a challenge for the side to mould together.

Sgt Potter said the whole team adapted well.

“We conducted five-days lead-up training in Sydney before the event so the players got a chance to work as a team and devise a game plan.

“As soldiers we have an inbuilt discipline too, which helps new players slot in quite well.

“In the final game against Navy we were two goals down at half time, so victory wasn’t assured until the final siren went.

“I gave the boys a fairly good gee-up at half time and it worked because our guys came out and kicked six goals to Navy’s none in the third quarter.”

He said he despite this, victory can never be assured until the final siren has sounded.

“As the coach I was feeling a great deal of pressure because you never want to be the first coach to lose, especially when there is a 17-year winning streak to fight for.

“We never thought winning would be a gimme. Right from the outset we had respect for the opposition – we always knew we were going to have to work hard in order to win. It’s never just expected.”

He said the backline was sensational in defence.

“The Navy went into their forward 50m zone 42 times and only kicked seven goals. Essentially we repelled their attack 35 times so that was a great effort.

“It’s always hard to say if we will have the same time from year to year, but I would like to keep this side and build on it with the players that weren’t available to play this year because of operational commitments.

“New faces are always welcome too – it’s good to keep adding to the squad.”

Sgt Potter said in the lead up to the carnival the squad underwent training very much similar to previous years.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. As long as we keep winning we’ll keep the same values and goals.

“Craig Bolton from the Sydney Swans came and took us for a couple of drills in the lead up, which was really handy. He also came to Canberra for the jumper presentation.”

Sgt Potter asked the players to stay focussed for next year.

“We’ve got number 17, let’s try for number 18 now and keep the record running.”

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