Now in its second year, the annual series between Townsville Touch Football’s Saints and the North Queensland Defence Touch Association’s Crocs has quickly established itself as one of the city’s most meaningful sporting events, bringing together the touch football and Defence communities in honour of the ANZAC spirit.
While the three matches will provide plenty of excitement on the field, the ceremonial component will again sit at the heart of the evening, with the welcome and ANZAC commemoration ceremony to begin from 5:40pm before the Over 30s at 6:00pm, the Women’s at 6:45pm, and the Men’s at 7:30pm.
This year’s ceremony has been expanded, with serving Australian Defence Force personnel leading the commemoration and members of the 1RAR Band performing The Last Post, The Rouse, and the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia.
Townsville Touch Football President Kerrod Hall said there was a genuine sense of anticipation around the event as the final hours counted down.
“There’s a real excitement around tonight, because people know this event is about much more than just the football.”
“It’s about bringing our community together in respect and remembrance, while also giving everyone the chance to enjoy a great night of representative touch footy.”
Both the Saints and the Crocs will take the field with squads that blend returning players from last year’s inaugural series with fresh faces, setting the scene for strong contests across all three divisions and another memorable night under lights.
Tonight will also mark the first presentation of the newly commissioned ANZAC Day Challenge trophy, which was unveiled earlier this week and will be awarded to the winning entity at the conclusion of the series.
North Queensland Defence Touch Association representative David Stewart said the Crocs were looking forward to again being part of an event that had quickly become important to both groups.
“The ANZAC Day Challenge means a lot because it gives our players the chance to represent the Defence community in a way that is competitive, respectful, and connected to something bigger than the game itself.”
This year’s event will also raise funds for the Sallyman through the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services, adding another layer of purpose to a night already built around service, support, and connection.
Townsville Mayor Cr Nick Dametto will attend the event, where he is expected to deliver a short address and assist with the presentation of the trophy, while Colonel Boniface Aruma, Deputy Commander of the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade, will also be in attendance and assist with the presentations.
With free entry, the TTF canteen and licensed bar open throughout the night, and woodfired pizzas available thanks to Woodfire Pizza Townsville, organisers are encouraging not just touch football supporters but the wider Townsville community to head down and be part of the occasion.
There will be no livestream of tonight’s matches, so the only place to catch the action, the ceremony, and the first presentation of the new trophy is live at Queens Park.