The ADF and Australian Federal Police (AFP) hockey teams clashed with wins on both sides while raising money for AFP Legacy at the inaugural charity match held at Hockey ACT, Canberra, on October 13.
What started off as an even match for the men, swung in ADF’s favour when they found rhythm after scoring in the second quarter.
Team coach and captain Flight Lieutenant Nick Hill said because they hadn’t played as a team before, their plan was to keep things simple until they gelled, which happened after half time.
“Our third goal was a brilliant team effort, with lots of quick passes and little triangles. We got around the AFP’s defences and got a tap in,” he said.
“That goal summed up our day in terms of good team play.”
Wing striker Leading Seaman Ryan Johnstone said their goals resulted from cohesive teamwork, with precise passing inside the circle, forcing the AFP’s goalie to step out and defend.
He said even with their lead in the last quarter, the coach warned them not to be complacent.
“[AFP] were very good. There wasn’t a significant skill difference,” Leading Seaman Johnstone said.
The ADF won 4-1.
According to the men’s team manager Major Don Rosser, what set ADF apart was its two excellent goal keepers.
“The AFP probably had a similar number of scoring opportunities, while the ADF strikers managed to make best use of the opportunities generated out of their midfield,” he said.
The women’s game was on a knife edge for most of the match, with AFP eventually winning 3-2.
“It was a really hard-fought game, played in the exact spirit you would hope for in an ADF/AFP charity match,” Major Rosser said.
The games raised more than $1100 through raffles and donations. The police representatives were surprised to have sold every raffle ticket.
“The aim is to continue this charity match in the future, with the next game to raise money for a Defence charity,” Major Rosser said.
