The ADF has claimed back-to-back championships at the Australian Federal Police Baseball Championships, with the ADF Masters (Over 35s) team undefeated across two days of play in Narrabundah, ACT.
Competing against strong AFP, foreign law enforcement and Deloitte teams, the ADF Masters side once again demonstrated professionalism, discipline and teamwork - consistently competing in the spirit of the tournament while exemplifying core ADF values on and off the field.
Fielding a team for only the second year running, the ADF entered the championships with confidence and cohesion, bonding quickly as a group and working seamlessly. The team won every pool match before progressing to the grand final.
The tournament culminated in a highly contested decider against a composite All Star team - dubbed 'the best of the rest' - formed from standout players across the remaining teams. Despite the stellar opposition line-up, the ADF Masters team held their nerve to secure a 7-4 victory in the thrilling grand final.
Head Coach, Army Sergeant Stephen Bertucci, praised the group's composure, commitment and conduct throughout the championships.
"This group plays for each other - that was evident from day one," Sergeant Bertucci said.
'To go undefeated again, and then defeat an All Star team in the grand final, speaks volumes about the professionalism, preparation and resilience these members bring - not just as athletes, but as Defence personnel.'
"They bonded quickly, understood their roles and executed under pressure. That cohesion translated directly into performance.
"To go undefeated again, and then defeat an All Star team in the grand final, speaks volumes about the professionalism, preparation and resilience these members bring - not just as athletes, but as Defence personnel."
Standout performances across the tournament were led by Petty Officer Andrew Gill, who was awarded ADF Tournament Most Valuable Player for delivering dominant performances offensively and defensively while maintaining a positive attitude.
ADF Diamond Sports Baseball Player's Representative Squadron Leader Justin Ryan said the camaraderie with his teammates and the competitors made the championships memorable.
"It was a rare opportunity to come together in a relaxed setting, forge genuine connections, support a great cause - and enjoy plenty of fun on the field," he said.
Sergeant Bertucci was honoured to lead the team of outstanding personnel and represent the ADF at the civilian tournament.
"Events like these reinforce the importance of sport in Defence - maintaining fitness, building cohesion and strengthening partnerships outside our own organisation," Sergeant Bertucci said.
"But winning it two years in a row definitely doesn't hurt."
