Proud to wear Army guernsey in Aussie Rules win
- Army Aussie Rules
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Lacing up the footy boots for the first time at university, Lieutenant Chaylee Reeve wished she had started playing Aussie Rules earlier.
“I really enjoy the opportunity to make connections, be competitive on the field, but also just have fun,” she said.
The engineering officer from the 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin was among 57 players selected to represent Army at the ADF Australian Rules (ADFAR) carnival in Melbourne in March, which Army won for the 12th year in a row.
“It is a privilege to represent the Army on the sporting field, especially when it’s a sport that I really love,” Lieutenant Reeve said.
“Going away and meeting Defence members from all around Australia to collectively play AFL is a very special experience.”
The games against Navy were played at La Trobe University. Air Force did not participate in this years’ carnival.
In the women’s match-up, a fast-paced first game resulted in Army dominating for a 67-39 win. A solid second game resulted in another Army victory, 29-15.
In the men’s, Army secured an 86-33 win in the first game, but Navy hit back in the second game, pipping the diggers at the post 45-42.
Army carnival manager Captain Kurtis Olsen said both Army teams had a full week of training at Simpson Barracks, Melbourne – the first time they had gathered as teams.
Lieutenant Reeve said her fellow players developed a strong team bond and established an effective game plan.
“Skill wise, I think Army was very capable, but I think we forgot that the Navy were going to come out strong as well. We were able to quickly reorganise this and work as a collective to win the carnival,” she said.
Lieutenant Reeve said it was a privilege to don the Army guernsey for a second time in a game she is so passionate about.
“It’s also the friendships and the connections that are made with everyone. It’s a very positive environment to be part of, and something I look forward to at the start of the year,” she said.
