South Queensland dominated but two touring Fiji teams caught the eye of the spectators at the recent Defence Touch Nationals (DEFNATS).

More than 300 personnel in player, referee and support capacities represented ACT/NSW Country, Sydney, North Queensland, South Queensland and Central (Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania) at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, from September 15 to 20.

South Queensland continued their dominant recent form with their men’s open team and women’s open crowns, while ACT/NSW Country took the elite 30s trophy in a thrilling drop-off against the reigning champions South Queensland in a 6-5 result. 

ADF Touch Association (ADFTA) president Wing Commander Sheena Stapleton said this year’s competition continued to step up the quality of Defence touch football and reinforced the success of the touring Fiji teams.

“This has been an outstanding carnival and the standard of touch football has really shown how far we have come in the last five years, not only with the players but also our referees,” Wing Commander Stapleton said.

“You can see the benefits of these carnivals from our regional interservice championships to DEFNATS to ADF representative selection, showing how sport drives health and wellbeing and relationships across the services.

“The highlight for me was the touring Fiji teams in the men’s open and elite 30s competitions – to have them participate with us reinforces the strength of bonds across our region.”

'We are very thankful for the opportunity to travel and represent Fiji at the Defence Championships and are enjoying not only the playing, but making friends among the teams.'

Wing Commander Stapleton said the ADFTA also hosted visits from the Federation of International Touch and Touch Football Australia.

Lieutenant Seveci Naivelinikoro, of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, said the men’s teams had enjoyed the competition and were returning home with a passion for the sport.

“We are very thankful for the opportunity to travel and represent Fiji at the Defence Championships and are enjoying not only the playing, but making friends among the teams,” Lieutenant Naivelinikoro said.

“Most players have played rugby 7s and 15s but now we have a good knowledge base, we are going to integrate more of touch football into our sport so we can come back again – it is very fast and I think it will be very popular.”

Returning for her fourth DEFNATS, Navy's Lieutenant Anna Roberts said the experience was always rewarding.

“It’s been great to come back each year, reconnect with players I’ve competed with before, and meet the new faces coming through,” Lieutenant Roberts said.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Papua New Guinea and even represent at state level – it all started here.”

'My advice to anyone thinking about getting involved in ADF Sport is simple – just give it a go.'

Army's Private Sophie Hartley said the friendships and camaraderie were just as valuable as the competition.

“As a young member, playing ADF Sport has been such a great way to meet new people across the Defence Force,” she said.

“You build friendships that make everyday life and even moving around for postings a lot easier.”

Lieutenant Roberts and Private Hartley encouraged others to pursue both ADF Sport and a career in Defence.

“I didn’t realise when I joined the Navy just how big a role sport plays in the ADF,” Lieutenant Roberts said.

Private Hartley agreed.

“My advice to anyone thinking about getting involved in ADF Sport is simple – just give it a go," she said. 

"You’ve got nothing to lose, it’s a lot of fun, and it’s part of the job to be here.”

ADF Touch will now focus on the NSW and Queensland State Cups in November.

Results
Elite 30s: ACT/NSW d SQ 6-5
Women’s open: SQ d NQ 2-0
Men’s open: SQ d NQ 8-1
Champion region: South Queensland

Award winners 
Player of the series – Warrant Officer Class 2 Kym Bensted-Santos (elite 30s), Lieutenant Anna Roberts (women’s open), Warrant Officer Class 2 Ben Alderson (men’s open)
Player of the finals – Craftsman Craig Irwin (elite 30s), Corporal Alesha Sands (women’s open), Aircraftman Diesel Richter (men’s open)
Top try scorers – Warrant Officer Class 2 Terence Kong (elite 30s), Leading Aircraftwoman Nina Sherlock (women’s open), Leading Aircraftman William Bruce (men’s open)
Referee award – Corporal Andy Arreza
Coaching award – Wing Commander Zoe Kennedy