Personnel from Air Force gave their all in the ADF Australian Rules (ADFAR) National Championships, which ran from March 13 to 19.

The Air Force women’s and men’s teams put up a solid fight against their Navy and Army opponents – with the women’s team just three points shy from winning their match against Navy – but were ultimately beaten.

Air Force Football Club (AFFC) President Air Vice-Marshal Gerry van Leeuwen said the championships were about more than the result on the scoreboard.

“Representing Air Force at the interservice carnival is a huge privilege and [it’s] an incredible honour for our players to wear the Air Force Football club jersey,” Air Vice-Marshal van Leeuwen said.

“The competition is fierce, but it’s also a great opportunity for our talented aviator athletes, coaches and volunteers to strengthen the bonds between the services and celebrate the values we share across the Australian Defence Force.”

Air Force women’s captain Squadron Leader Liz Wilson, and vice-captain Leading Aircraftwoman Kate Clarkson, agreed the rivalry and eventual camaraderie with Army and Navy made the carnival one of the most anticipated events on the Defence sporting calendar.

“The standard of footy is really high, and the matches are always competitive,” Squadron Leader Wilson said.

“There’s also a great sense of respect between the teams. We might be rivals on the field, but we’re all part of the same Defence family.”

'The aim now is to spread the word to the wider Air Force that we are back and hungry to achieve on-field success, with the off-field section of the club now as strong as ever.'

Leading Aircraftwoman Clarkson said the sport brought people together from different trades, ranks and locations.

“Out on the field, you build friendships and trust that carry over into your everyday work in the Air Force,” she said.

“While it was disappointing to lose to both Army and Navy, it is exciting for the future of the carnival to see the elite level of AFL showcased across both the women’s and men’s competitions.”

With his head held high after the tournament, Air Force men’s co-captain Flying Officer Blayke Lane said he and his teammates already had their eyes on next year’s national carnival.

“The aim now is to spread the word to the wider Air Force that we are back and hungry to achieve on-field success, with the off-field section of the club now as strong as ever,” he said.

“There is no better time to play Australia’s sport for the Air Force.”

Air Force members selected for ADF teams:

Men's team:

• Flying Officer Blayke Lane
• Aircraftman Matthew Borg
• Leading Aircraftman Bailey Cullen

Women's team:

• Corporal Jackie Chan Tie
• Leading Aircraftwoman Kate Clarkson
• Leading Aircraftwoman Finn Davies
• Aircraftwoman Olivia Fuller
• Corporal Bonnie Grynglas
• Leading Aircraftwoman Demi Maloney
• Aircraftwoman Ahlee Penry
• Corporal Casey Tinker
• Squadron Leader Liz Wilson