The annual Remembrance Day football clash at Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium delivered drama until the final whistle, as the ADF men’s team fell 1-0 to the Adelaide United Legends in a spirited contest.

While the scoreboard favoured the home side, the ADF squad – an even mix of Navy, Army and Air Force players – showed composure and creativity throughout.

Coming together only days before the match, the team quickly gelled and pushed the Legends to their limits.

The ADF came close on numerous occasions, with Able Seaman Lachlan Jones firing a thunderous volley inches over the bar, leaving the Adelaide keeper scrambling and the crowd gasping.

In the dying seconds, Seaman Colby Robinson had another strike ricochet off the post, agonisingly close to forcing penalties.

Lieutenant Commander Brad Hall, the ADF captain and goalkeeper, praised his team’s effort.

“We were inches away from changing the story,” Lieutenant Commander Hall said. 

“But the way the team came together and fought for every ball – that’s what I’ll remember.”

The Legends’ line-up featured Spanish star Javi López, who boasts more than 250 La Liga appearances against icons such as Ronaldo and Messi.

Facing such pedigree was surreal for many ADF players. 

“You don’t often get to come up against someone who’s played at the highest level in Europe,” Corporal Kieran Murphy said. “It was an honour.”

'This match is about more than football – it’s about remembrance and respect.'

ADF coach Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Mark Ninness commended the squad’s resilience. 

“They had world-class experience, but our guys showed what teamwork and service spirit can achieve,” WO2 Ninness said. 

“This match is about more than football – it’s about remembrance and respect.”

After the game, the stadium paused for a moving ceremony honouring those who served.

Leading Aircraftman Levi Hughes carried out the match ball and Able Seaman Benjamin Wright performed the coin toss for the A-League fixture that followed. 

“Walking out in front of that crowd and delivering the match ball was an incredible feeling,” Leading Aircraftman Hughes said. 

“Seeing almost 10,000 people there for the A-League game and knowing we were part of the Remembrance Day ceremony made it really special.” 

Since 2017, this curtain-raiser has been a proud tradition of Adelaide United’s Remembrance Round, symbolising the enduring bond between Defence and the football community.

As the final whistle blew, it wasn’t the scoreboard but the players that reflected the true victory: one of unity, remembrance and the shared spirit of service and sport.