The annual ANZAC Shield clash between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Police, Fire, and Emergency Services (PFES) returns to TIO Stadium Oval 2 for its fourth instalment since its inaugural match in 2021.
It has been a dominant start to the series for the ADF, taking out the shield in the Men's and Women's competitions in 2021 and 2022 but PFES has flipped the table taking out the 2023 shield.
Knowing the presence of the ADF in Darwin and the Northern Territory, many locals make the trek to TIO Stadium Oval 2 to show support as many know/are active service men and women.
Entry to ANZAC Shield match is a gold coin with all proceeds heading to Legacy.
Legacy works to support currently 40,000 children and partners of veterans, who risked their lives for the safety of our country.
ADF Captain Krystelle Jones spoke with AFLNT and NT News about the significance of the match and the respect both sides have for each other but the competitive spirit that remains between the two:
“It means a lot that we get to run out with our brothers and sisters and get to play Aussie Rules, which is the best game going in Australia,” she said.
“Win or lose, it’s about what the ANZAC means to us, we’ve got navy, army and RAF all representing and we’re all looking to take the shield back.
“The emergency services have both of the shields, but we’ve asked them to dig through their cupboards and polish them ready for us to put the ADF name back on it.”
Northern Territory Police Constable Chris Smith shared similar thoughts distinguishing the admiration for all involved, but also ensured that the PFES are dedicated to retaining the shield:
“We’re here to commemorate ANZAC Day, raise money for legacy and come together as the emergency services and work as a team,” he said.
“We work together attending to incidents and with the ADF when it comes to flood relief, so for us to come out and play a game of football together is a great way for us to show respect.
“As much as we’re here for the charitable side at the end of the day once the ball gets thrown in the air it’s a game of football and we’re really looking forward to trying to retain the Shield.”
The Women's match starts at 4:15pm with Men's following at 6:15pm with entrance via the Ah Mat gate.