The morning dew evaporated off the pitch and blended with the sweat of players, making for unbearable humidity as the ADF Warriors Mixed Masters Touch Football team fought the defending champions for a place in the grand final.

As the mercury rose, so did the stakes.

At Australia’s flagship Touch Football Carnival ‘The Championships’, held in Coffs Harbour from March 4 to 7, more than 40 players, referees and support staff from the ADF competed with the nation’s best players.

While many of the staff and players were long-time Warriors, for some, it was their debut representing Defence. 

Lance Corporal Jenna Kelly, who received the Coach’s Award on her debut, said debuting for the Warriors and playing against Australia’s best was truly incredible.

“My coaches believed in me more than I believed in myself … it was a special experience that I will hold close for a very long time,” she said.

Of the 144 teams, Defence was represented with a Mixed Masters and a Women’s 27s team with six referees and a referee coach in support. While players from across Australia competed for their titles and trophies, the referees collaborated to ensure the contest was safe and fair.

“ADF referees are consistently well regarded within the national refereeing community for the professionalism, leadership and values we bring to the game,” National referee Pilot Officer Pat Moran said.

Referees Pilot Officer Moran and Leading Aircraftwoman Amanda Crowley officiated grand final matches, a role reserved for top referees. Other ADF referees were recognised for their efforts, values and teamwork.

“Lieutenant Colonel Brett Powell and Warrant Officer Class 2 Justin Hill also were recognised as their team’s ‘referee’s referee’ for their leadership, dedication and teamwork, which is significant recognition, given there were close to 200 referees,” Pilot Officer Moran said.

“We also had an ADF referee awarded for achieving the second-highest step-count of the tournament, with 117,161 steps in the first three days, which is a testament to his efforts.”

'My coaches believed in me more than I believed in myself … it was a special experience that I will hold close for a very long time.'

With officiating standards set, attention returned to the challenge on the field.

Leading Seaman Brittany Bugden said The Championships provided valuable exposure to the highest quality of touch for the Women’s 27, testing the team in a challenging environment.

“Playing in The Championships was a good experience, and playing teams that we aren’t normally exposed to was also a good gauge of the standards across Australia at the national level,” she said.

The Mixed Masters ADF team finished 3rd in the pool and came up against their long-time rivals, the South Queensland Sharks in the semi-final.

After drawing with the Sharks in the group stage it was anyone’s game, but after a hard-fought match, the ADF’s campaign ended - the Sharks progressing to the final where they beat the favourites and were crowned champions.

The results highlighted the competitiveness of ADF’s representatives and the high standard at The Championships. Results aside, the tournament also marked a welcome return for players reconnecting with the ADF Touch community.

Leading Seaman Bugden said she missed touch during her year of leave without pay.

“It was great to return and see and play with all the girls I’ve met over the years playing at Defence Nationals and in ADF representative teams,” she said.

With debutants gaining national experience and returning players building the community, The Championships once again proved to be a valuable opportunity to develop ADF Touch on the national stage.

Anyone looking to get involved in ADF Touch Football is encouraged to reach out to ADF Touch Association via adf.touchfootballtm@resources.defence.gov.au