Australian Defence Force to take on NT emergency services in 2024 Anzac Day clash

The Australian Defence Force are hoping to reclaim both shields when they take on the NT emergency services in the annual Anzac Shield football match. Here’s what you need to know.

NTPFES will clash with the ADF in an Anzac Day footy match. Picture: Ryan Saxelby / AFLNT Media

The competition will be heated in the annual Anzac Shield between the defence and emergency services, honouring the fallen and the work the services do for the community.

The game, which will be played at TIO Stadium on Sunday, raises money for Legacy, a charity that supports the families of veterans.

But despite the camaraderie, these fixtures are usually incredibly competitive and played with plenty of passion.

Captain Krystelle Jones coached the ADF women four years ago in the first encounter, and this year will be putting on the boots alongside Captain Sarah Wilson.

And the added incentive of taking back the Shield in both the men’s and women’s from PFES, who won both last year, will play a major role in the passion the ADF bring.

“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.

NTPFES will clash with the ADF in an Anzac Day footy match. Picture: Ryan Saxelby / AFLNT Media

“The tempo has been busy with work, but we love picking up the footy where we can and we have a few secrets and hidden stars that will come out for the game.

“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.”

Gunner Riley Waters said the game mirrored those of its kind across the country, and is one his side were well up for.

“This game is super important, there’s a lot of games for the date across the country and for us to have the game here means a lot for us,” he said.

“The boys are pretty keen to get the Shield back, we don’t like losing, we want to win this and won’t be laying down easy on Sunday.”

Constable Chris Smith was proud to be a part of the event again, and said his side were throwing everything to retain the Shield they won for the first time in 2023.

“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.”

Recruit constable Tegan Copeland wouldn’t give away too many of her women’s PFES side’s secrets, with some players likely coming from the NTFL competition that wrapped in March.

“It’s a really good opportunity for the ADF and emergency services to solidify the bond that we have and it’s a good social day,” she said.

“We’re getting heaps of people down to training and a lot of girls have just come off a season so they’re fit and ready to go.

“We’re not giving away any of our secrets at the moment, but we going to hopefully defend those Shields.”