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PROUD
MOMENT: ABMUSN Matthew Booth, pictured with two Aboriginal
dancers, was one of several Navy people involved in AFL
grand final activities at the Melbourne Cricket Ground this
year.
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Photo: CPL Belinda Mepham
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By
Louise Butcher
The
AFL grand final between the West Coast Eagles and the Sydney Swans
began after a different type of bird, a Seahawk helicopter, flew
into the ground and touched down on the hallowed turf.
For the lucky Navy personnel on board, this was an experience
they would never forget. CPO Douglas Edwards and LS Jason Cook
from 816 Squadron were chosen as the match ball and Premiership
Cup bearers. When the Seahawk touched down, they jumped out and
delivered their cargo to the waiting umpires.
For CPO Edwards, being involved in the AFL grand final was something
that he had always wanted to do.
“I have been in the Navy for about 21 years and may get out
in the next couple of years. For me, I am really happy to be part
of it and it’s a nice way to cap off my career,” he
said.
LS Cook had similar sentiments.
“I volunteered for this and it’s pretty exciting. It’s
a big thing to get to do. I was a little nervous beforehand but
I have done air shows and things like that so it’s similar
in some ways,” he said.
After the match day balls and Premiership Cup were delivered,
the helicopter rose to a hover, performed a 360 degree reconnaissance
turn, then departed from the MCG.
