It was nothing but net for the ADF women’s basketball team, going unbeaten to take home their second consecutive gold at the Edith Cowan University invitational tournament in Perth.
The men’s team also battled boldly to bag bronze as the ADF Basketball Association completed its national tour from June 17-22.
Lance Corporal Claudia de Grave-Nott, who played in last year’s winning team, said it was great to get the repeat, though the competition was improving.
“We had a few tough games, the grand final especially, because we were so fatigued, but it’s a fun trip and a good opportunity,” she said.
“It’s a really positive experience getting to go away and get paid to play basketball for the ADF.”
Both teams were flawless on the first day of competition, with the women beating the WA Police 32-17 and Edith Cowan University 68-17.
ADF men took a close win over Murdoch University 44-43, before running through Edith Cowan University 72-37.
The women’s undefeated streak continued on the second day with wins over Curtin University 38-16, and Murdoch University 80-20.
They had a tougher time in the semi-final, according to forward Leading Aircraftwoman Mikaela Hedges.
“We played Murdoch in the semi. They put up a good fight and gave us a bit of a scare. They were leading at half-time but we came back and ended up winning 46-26,” she said.
Going into the final against WA Police, the ADF women’s team was down to only five players, but fought through and took the gold 31-21.
Army Lieutenant Jane Spooner was awarded the grand final’s most valuable player.
The men started strong on day two with a win over Curtin 35-16, but lost a hard-fought game against 2023 rivals Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), going down 38-32.
They lost their semi-final against Curtin 62-52, and faced DFES again for the third-place play-off, winning to take bronze.
Men’s captain Petty Officer Jakeb Morrison said taking a different approach to the second DFES game led to victory.
“We went out there and played our style, played to our strengths instead of getting caught up in the show of it all,” Petty Officer Morrison said.
“One of their players got fouled off, but in show of good sportsmanship we allowed them to come back on just so we could all play the sport, because that’s what it’s about at the end of the day.”
It was the first time the ADF national teams had played together after being selected last November, with only two days of training before the competition.
