Getting physical in a tough game

Bodies collide in the women’s final, Air Force going down to a determined Army. Photo by Jason Silsby

PRIDE and team spirit best describe the qualities brought to Manuka Oval, Canberra, from all over the country, by the Air Force women’s Australian Football team.

The women were participating in the inaugural women’s championship at the Interservice Australian Football carnival held from April 16-20.

Team Captain Sergeant Melinda Pearce had a simple game plan for the first game against Navy.

“Go out and be positive. Play for the ball and hit them hard. Play forward, get the ball and keep it in the forward line.” The plan worked and at the end of a hard-fought game Air Force walked away winners, 7-11-53 to Navy’s 4-2-26.

Army then defeated Navy, setting up an Army-Air Force final. Four quarters later and Army left the field champions, 7-7-49 to 4-2-26.

Many Army women had played together since 1998 and their experience and skill set the tone in the first quarter. The remainder of the game was a much more even contest.

Air Force Football President Flight Lieutenant Stu Munro said the girls performed well. SGT Pearce summed up the game succinctly.

“Army has a reputation for being strong but we didn’t get caught up in that,” she said.

“We just wanted to get out here and show them we were competitive and I think we showed them.”

Those women selected for the combined team will proceed in June to Adelaide (see below).

The Air Force players have put the Army and Navy on notice. They’ve gone from strength to strength and next year hope to go one better.

Representative honours

Women: FLGOFF Andrija Blums, FLGOFF Mina Roberts, FSGT Donna Puglisi, CPL Stephanie Ingall, OCDT Amanda Gosling, OCDT Liesl Franklon and CPL Debbie Grylls.

Men: LAC Michael Kemp, WOFF Mick Wescombe, LAC Scott Rawle, and CPL Nigel Peacock, SGT Sean McGrath and AC Ryan McKee.

Assistant Coach: CPL Paul James.

National medal winners

AFFC Men’s best player: SGT Sean McGrath.

Umpires’ Men’s best player: LAC Ryan McKee.

AFFC Women’s best player: CPL Debbie Grylls.

Umpires’ Women’s best player: CPL Debbie Grylls.

AFFC Hawks and ASAFA best clubperson: FLTLT Stu Munro.

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