Aussie rules side vows to turn tables

Air Force in action at last year’s carnival.

By Ben Caddaye

AFTER finishing runner-up in 2002, the Air Force Australian Rules Football Club (AAFC) is on track to go one better at this year’s ADF Australian Rules Championships in Canberra in March.

And with a new sponsor, new jumpers and a squad of fit, talented players, the side looks odds-on to make amends for last year’s disappointing demise at the hands of arch rivals Army.

Last year Air Force destroyed Navy in the opening match of the carnival and looked set to threaten Army’s stranglehold on the ADF Australian rules title.

However, in the decider, Air Force ran out of legs against an extremely fit Army outfit, losing the game in the last quarter.

But with the emphasis this year on preparation, Air Force is determined to turn the tables.

SmartCover’s financial commitment to Air Force football, which has traditionally struggled with funding in the past, has given it a timely boost in the lead-up to the carnival, which is being held from March 24-28.

Officer in Charge of Air Force Australian rules and AAFC co-president Flying Officer Adam Frizell said Air Force football was in pretty good shape, with recent improvements boosting the profile of the game within the service.

“This year we have brand new jerseys, footballs, water bottles, team shirts and other incentives,” FLGOFF Frizell said.

“The team committee has been very committed to the organisation of the carnival and have done their best to put the best team on the field for the championships,” he said.

“We have sent out feelers throughout the Air Force to obtain a large player base to take to the training camp before the carnival. Many of the players have played many carnivals before and will provide the core of the team.”

Although the exact make-up of the team is yet to be decided, a squad of about 50 personnel looks likely to attend team selection trials at RAAF Base Richmond from March 17-23.

That will be whittled down to a squad of 30 for the carnival, with all players likely to get plenty of game time during Air Force’s hit-outs against Navy and Army.

FLGOFF Frizell said the pre-tournament camp would consist mainly of ball skills, but there would also be an emphasis on fitness work, including beach sprints and long-distance work.

“This year our preparation has been exceptional,” FLGOFF Frizell said.
Without giving too much away, he added that there were a few talented up-and-comers waiting to make their mark on this year’s carnival.

“There are a couple of ADFA cadets who we have our eye on.”

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