18 November 2024
Members of the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force south-east Queensland football teams took part in the inaugural Remembrance Day match at Perry Park, Brisbane.
The men’s and women’s matches were separated by a Remembrance Day commemoration, which featured a catafalque party from 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, Australian anthem and a minute’s silence observed by the players and crowd.
The day kicked off with the women’s match, with Army running out 12-0 winners. It was tough and humid conditions for the Air Force women, who battled out the match without substitutes.
Woman of the match was awarded to Lieutenant Chelsea Lees of 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.
Army women’s captain Private Brieanna Watt of 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, said it was an enjoyable match and hoped it became an annual event.
“Most of the girls haven’t played together before so it was their first hit-out together and I’m very impressed with how it all gelled together and we strung some nice passes together,” she said.
“I’m all for this becoming an annual event because us girls don’t get to play often and this is a great initiative to come together with our RAAF counterparts.
“Plus it’s always nice to get one over Air Force.”
The men’s game was closer, with Army winning 6-1, aided by the injury of RAAF’s goalkeeper.
Despite being on the wrong end of the score lines, it was still a great day for Air Force, according to Flying Officer James-Andre Galam.
“It’s very important to commemorate Remembrance Day, but to do it with Army in a football environment makes it a surreal experience for all ADF members involved,” he said.
“We hope it’s the first of many football matches played to commemorate important days for the ADF such as Remembrance Day and Anzac Day.
“A few of the players had just come back from ADF nationals and were eager for another opportunity to play against Army. A lot of credit goes out to both men’s and women’s squads, especially in the hot and humid conditions.”
