ADF beaten in tribute match

PO Bill McBride’s nephew Jessie Green, right, contests for the ball.

Photo by AB Yuri Ramsey

THREE Air Force members have participated in a memorial Aussie rules match. The game was held in memory of Petty Officer Bill McBride, who died in April as he prepared to retire from the ADF.

A mixed ADF team – including Warrant Officer Tony Maklin, Warrant Officer Peter Bulmer and Flight Sergeant Mick Whitely – took on the Queensland Masters, losing by less than a goal.

In what would prove to be a tight and hard fought match, the ADF players started strongly straight from the centre bounce. Chief Petty Officer Norm Barnes kicked the first goal from the forward pocket, followed by two more for the ADF to hold the lead at the first break.

The contest see-sawed over the four quarters with the final result coming down to the last kick of the game. The ADF team was down five points with a free kick awarded 15m out, directly in front.

Commander Tony Roper took the kick but unfortunately his shot at goal missed. The final score favoured the Masters 8.8.56 to the ADF’s 7.9.51.

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