31 May 2024
“ADF are gonna win by about 50 points”. A bold prediction thrown out by the commander of Darwin’s 1st Brigade, Brigadier Doug Pashley, on the pitch at TIO Stadium in Marrara, Northern Territory.
It was a beautiful day in the Top End, as the women’s AFL teams from both the ADF and NT Police Fire Emergency Services (PFES) took to the field behind Brigadier Pashley to warm up for the annual Anzac Shield charity footy match.
In its fourth year, Anzac Shield pits triservice men’s and women’s AFL teams against their PFES counterparts in an annual grudge match, with all proceeds going to Legacy.
In 2023, the men’s and women’s ADF teams were forced to stomach humble pie as both suffered crushing defeats to the PFES sides.
The afternoon commenced with an Anzac ceremony, complete with catafalque party, and the Australian National Anthem was performed by the 1st Brigade band.
Hungry for redemption, the women took to the pitch, but at full time they narrowly lost to PFES 37-42. However, the game was still a great introduction to AFL and Australian sport for the recently arrived 2024 US Marine Corps Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D).
Commander of the 2024 MRF-D rotation, Colonel Brian Mulvihill, said the marines and sailors of the Marine Air Ground Task Force were excited to have the opportunity to experience a new culture through sport, be it AFL or rugby league.
Colonel Mulvihill said sport was an important link between the US marines and Australian Army soldiers.
“There’s a common bond among all team sports that we share as service members,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to integrate with ADF, to build a sense of competition on the pitch and a sense of camaraderie after the match.”
Aussie soldiers have been enjoying sport and working with the MRF-D for more than a decade.
“It’s wonderful to be in Australia,” Colonel Mulvihill said.
“It’s my first time here. I’m excited for the next six months to work closely with our allies, our brothers and sisters of the ADF.”
The bond between Australian soldiers and US marines was clearly more profound than technical interoperability, as the marines marched alongside ADF sailors, aviators and soldiers during Darwin’s annual Anzac Day parade.
“Anzac Day was an incredible experience for all of us. It shows a nation can be galvanized around not just their service members, but all who have served. It really was a memorable and powerful experience,” Colonel Mulvihill said.
The ADF men put on a fantastic match, dominating the game each quarter and avenging their loss from last year with a final score of 60-32.
As the final siren signalled ADF victory, Brigadier Pashley commented on what a fantastic day it was in the NT.
“Where else would you want to be than up here, watching some top-quality footy?” he said.
“It’s as good as it gets.”
