After a moving pre-match ceremony set the tone, the Saints opened the series with a 6–2 win in the Over 30s, before claiming the Women’s 12–0 and the Men’s 8–0 to once again complete a clean sweep of the Challenge.
While the Saints took all three results, the standard, spirit, and intensity of the matches ensured the scoreboard never fully captured the quality of the contest across the night.
Townsville Touch Football President Kerrod Hall said the event had again delivered exactly what organisers had hoped for.
“The football was strong, the ceremony was incredibly meaningful, and the atmosphere right across the night was something really special.”
“For us, that’s what the ANZAC Day Challenge is meant to be, a respectful and memorable occasion that brings people together while still producing three quality games of representative touch footy.”
The Over 30s match opened the football in ideal style, with the Saints running out 6–2 winners against a Crocs side that stayed in the contest through the leadership and composure of captain-coach Matthew Griffiths.
Griffiths was ultimately named Player of the Match after a standout display in defeat, with his control, direction, and influence around the field proving central to the Crocs’ best moments in the opening fixture.
The Women’s match then saw the Saints put together a polished team performance in a 12–0 result, although it was Crocs leader Mia Hayes who earned Player of the Match honours after an outstanding individual effort.
Hayes’ leadership and determination stood out all night, with the Crocs captain continuing to lift those around her even as the Saints maintained their grip on the scoreboard.
Hall said both of those awards were a reflection of the impact the two Crocs players had on their teams.
“Matthew and Mia were both terrific leaders for Defence on the night, and their performances deserved to be recognised.”
“In both matches, the Saints were very strong as a team, but those two Crocs players were the ones who really stood out on the field for their influence and leadership.”
The Men’s match closed the series with the Saints producing another composed display, running out 8–0 winners to complete the clean sweep.
Townsville’s Thomas Eddie was named Player of the Match after a strong performance in the Saints’ win, capping off a solid night for a Men’s side that again found the right balance between attacking quality and control.
The evening’s ceremonial component was one of its defining features, with the presence of Colonel Boniface Aruma, Mayor Nick Dametto, and Thuringowa RSL Sub-Branch President Rocky Hema helping give the occasion the weight and dignity it deserved.
Hema also played an important role in the formalities, reading The Ode and presenting the referee contingent with their commemorative jerseys before their matches, with both moments helping reinforce the significance of the event to everyone involved.
The ceremonial atmosphere was elevated further by 1RAR Band members Arthur Florence and Wes Tagaloa, whose performances of The Last Post, The Rouse, and the national anthems were among the most powerful moments of the night.
Tagaloa’s involvement did not end there, with the vocalist later swapping the microphone for the football and pulling on the No. 13 jersey for the Crocs in the Men’s match.
The formal proceedings were guided by Triple T’s Des Fazldeen, whose professionalism as MC helped carry the event smoothly from welcome, to commemoration, and into the touch football itself.
The Salvation Army’s Sallyman was also represented on the night by Nigel Roden and Perry Lithgow, with both men engaging warmly with spectators and contributing to the broader community focus of the event.
Hall said their presence was another important reminder of what the Challenge is trying to support.
“It was great to see the support they received and the way people engaged with them throughout the evening.”
“That community side of the event matters just as much as the touch footy, and having them there added a lot to the night.”
Despite showers through the day creating some headaches during preparation, the weather ultimately turned in the organisers’ favour, with the night played in cool and comfortable conditions and only a light breeze settling across Queens Park.
While some may have stayed away because of the earlier rain, a strong crowd was still on hand to witness the ceremony, the football, and the presentation of the ANZAC Day Challenge trophy.
The night was then brought to a close with the formal presentations, following short addresses from David Stewart and Kerrod Hall, both of whom thanked the many people behind the scenes who had worked over recent months to bring the event together and acknowledged the strong support shown by those who turned out to witness the occasion.
Hall said the success of the night belonged as much to the staff and volunteers behind the scenes as it did to those who took the field.
“To the teams behind the teams, the hardworking staff and volunteers who have put so much effort in over the last few months to bring tonight together, a very big thank you.”
“Tonight’s success comes down to your hard work, and events like this simply do not happen without people who are prepared to give their time and energy to make them possible.”
Stewart also paid tribute to the work done off the field and to the crowd that turned out to support the event, helping create an atmosphere that reflected both the spirit of the occasion and the growing importance of the ANZAC Day Challenge.
Following those remarks, Colonel Boniface Aruma presented the Player of the Match awards for each of the three fixtures before assisting with the presentation of the newly commissioned ANZAC Day Challenge trophy to TTF President Kerrod Hall on behalf of the victorious Townsville Saints.
With the Saints becoming the inaugural winners of the newly commissioned ANZAC Day Challenge trophy, and the event itself continuing to grow in significance and stature, the Challenge has further strengthened its place as one of the most unique and meaningful nights on the Townsville sporting calendar.