The 2025 ADF Squash Nationals wrapped up in Brisbane after a week of fierce competition at the Stafford Squash Centre from August 30 to September 5.

This year’s interservice tournament was hard fought, with the Air Force edging out Army in a tight 5-4 finish.

“It was always going to be a nail biter and one of our team in particular, Sergeant Tim Oxley, won a pivotal match, which made all the difference,” said team captain Sergeant Aaron Fyfe. 

“Everyone brought it together in the end, and came through with the goods. As captain it was really a proud moment to have everyone pulling their weight and doing what they needed to do.”

Sergeant Fyfe also claimed his tenth Open Men’s title, defeating Navy’s Lieutenant Nathan Laver in a 3-0 final. 

“My game is to volley and control the Tee, and make the opponent do all the work,” he said.

“Most players can’t keep up with that, but if they can I have a few tricks up my sleeve to slow it down or lift the ball higher over them to change it up so they can’t establish a rhythm.”

'It’s nice to have more women to get to know and play against, and we will only build and get bigger and better every year.'

The former Australian representative said his journey into Defence was partly inspired by the opportunity to keep playing the sport.

“I got out and saw the talent in the world and realised it’s a pretty hard slog being a professional athlete. You’re only ever one injury away from it all falling to bits,” Sergeant Fyfe said.

In the Women’s Open, Army’s Corporal Jennifer Wellby took the title for the fourth time, after second place Leading Seaman Brooke Shoebridge was forced to withdraw due to injury.

“Unfortunately, I won by forfeit so there was no women’s final. We are great mates as well so it was a bit disappointing,” Corporal Welby said.

Corporal Wellby also played in the A-grade competition, but said she didn’t let size or gender get in the way of her game.

“I’m fiercely competitive, anyone will tell you that. Squash is a mental game as much as a physical game, so I like that aspect of it,” she said.

She credited a recent women’s training camp for the record female turnout at this year’s nationals. 

“It’s nice to have more women to get to know and play against, and we will only build and get bigger and better every year,” she said.

'As captain it was really a proud moment to have everyone pulling their weight and doing what they needed to do.'

Lieutenant Commander Vishal Bhakoo won the A-grade competition for the first time, and said improved shot selection helped him over the line against Lieutenant Colonel Greg Blycha. 

“I started off quite strong in the match, but he did pull the game back to 2-1,” Lieutenant Commander Bhakoo said.

“I think we both were struggling fitness wise so I didn't really want the match to drag out and was lucky enough to get the third game.”

Despite playing squash for almost 20 years, he is more of a tennis player and brings that into the game through unpredictable spin and a double-handed backhand.

“It throws people off and I find it’s a lot more deceptive, so I get a lot of free points with that unique game style,” he said.

Other winners included Sub-Lieutenant Dave Bolger (Masters), Leading Seaman Brooke Shoebridge (B-grade), Army Lieutenant Rebecca Potter (C-grade), Private Adam Bradley (D-grade), and Air Force Corporal Michael Robinson (E-grade). 

For those interested in joining ADF Squash, visit the association’s webpage or email adf.racquets@defence.gov.au