Footy Afloat

This page is devoted to Ship's football sides who compete throughout the world as the great game of AFL develops.

2010 Success vs Toowoomba

On a hot Darwin Friday Sydney based ship HMAS Success met Stirling based ship HMAS Toowoomba in a battle of 12-a-side Aussie rules for bragging rights as both ships conducted a port visit in the northern end before taking part in the upcoming fleet training period.

Despite both ships losing players to duty and injuries, some good football was produced at the large oval 2 at Charles Darwin University campus, although the focus was on participation and encouragement.

Searing heat meant that rotations were made at every opportunity as Toowoomba’s fitness shone through over some of the bigger bodied Success boys, as they triumphed by 19 points with a score line of 10-6-66 to 7-5-47.

Despite captain ABMT Rawson Kirkhope booting four goals in the first half, including a monster from outside fifty that made him yell,” BOOM,” as it travelled towards goal, Success found themselves ten points behind at the major change.

The searing heat was the major factor of the day, contributing to some stomach emptying on the sidelines by Toowoomba’s ABCTL Lucas Vine, following his exhaustive running efforts. His running was duly matched by Success’s own POPT Shane Murphy, who spent minimal time on the interchange and ran hard from the wing to keep Success in the contest.

Toowoomba’s lead was never to be surrendered despite some fierce tackling and intent from Success’s RNZN import and first time player, LSMT Richard Te Nana. Combining that with a running goal from ABSN Claudio Falkiner, Success managed to scrape to within one point deep into the last quarter.

But the spirited come-back was brought to a halt by Toowoomba captain and best on ground SBLT Joshua Sims who took control and showed his class by booting two late goals in response to put the result beyond doubt.

“It was great to organise a game at such short notice and cheers to the Success lads for coming out. Well done to our Toowoomba side for getting over the line in tough conditions.” Sims said of the victory.

Sims also paid tribute to ABMT Ian Fobister, who played a crucial role in the ruck to be named amongst the best on ground. SMNGX Hamish Brown was also given praise for his work in Toowoomba’s strong backline and was named as his side’s second best on ground.

Although the experience of the two captains in the midfield shone through to decide the outcome, the day belonged to the first time players, enjoying themselves with every tackle, bump and run to make the day a fantastic outing for all.

Simmsy having a shot on goal for Toowoomba

2009 Operation Northern Trident.

In 2009 HMA Ships Sydney and Ballarat conducted a round the world trip and several games of footy were organised. The first game was against a British Southern Football League representative side when both ships were in Portsmouth. Michael Krischunas, president of the Southampton Titans organised the game which was played on a makeshift council oval with portable goal posts. In what proved to be a fairly high class game, the British "Pirates" got off to a flyer by kicking the first 2 goals before the Aussies steadied. Lead by captain Smitsy but backed up by a solid effort by the whole team, a kick in it at half time was extended by a few goals by three quarter time before eventually running out winners by 5 goals. Other notable players were JS in the goal square, Homie on the ball and wing and Fabs who was in and under in all contests. The only downside to the day was the knee injury to Joy Boy who didn't play again on the trip.

The next game was a memorable event played against the Baltimore Eagles in what was said to be the hottest day of the year. This also marked the occasion of what is believed to be the first time that a female Navy side played overseas. In a modified game the combined Navy side led by nationals players in Katie Cox (4 goals), Lucy Gaylor and Sally Blackmore proved to be very competitive with many of the girls involved having a kick for the first time. Some new stars were borne and it is hoped that they enjoyed this experience and will put their hands up for national selection. The local girls won the game by a goal which was scored in the last minute of the game.

After watching the girls perform the guys were pumped for a big game. In what was a completely different side to the one which played in Portsmouth, several new players came into the side and performed well. The heat and perhaps the effects of a big night before proved to hinder our performance with a record 28 players getting a run in an attempt to combat the fatigue. The Eagles proved to be a far superior side and whilst we were not disgraced, we were always playing catch-up football.

Whilst we didn't manage to win either of the games a great day was had by all in front of approximately 300 people. We ventured back to their local sponsor the Australian Bar where presentations were held and where we managed to salvage some pride by winning the team boat race.

The final game of the Northern Trident deployment was held in Japan against the Tokyo Samurais played on a synthetic rugby oval which was an experiece for all. The event was organised as a round robin event with Ballarat and Success fielding their own teams. Success played the Samurais in the opening match which proved to be a free flowing, high scoring event. Having led for most of the game, match fitness proved to be the deciding factor with the locals running out victors by a small margin.

Ballarat played Success in the second match where Success threw everything at Ballarat only to be turned away on numerous occasions by a strong defensive group led by Pig Pilgrim, Liam Walters and Josh Hindle. In a low scoring game Ballarat eventually held on to win by a goal and set up a grand final game against the Samurais.

In a tight see-sawing event, the lead changed several times in the first half with in accurate kicking playing a big part. With only 5 minutes remaining in the match the game could have gone either way but the superior fitness and player rotation options the Samurais ended up winning by 2 goals. A presentation ceremony was held on completion in which plaques and jumpers were exchanged.