Leading Aircraftman Matthew Borg is kicking goals on and off the field.
The 23-year-old Adelaide native, stationed at RAAF Base Edinburgh, is an inspiring example of balancing a demanding Air Force career with a passion for AFL.
Leading Aircraftman Borg's exceptional performance for the ADF against the Australian Combined Emergency Services (ACES) team at Adelaide Oval's 2025 Anzac Day match has earned him widespread praise and motivated others to embrace AFL within the Air Force.
Leading Aircraftman Borg - 'Borgy' to his mates - joined the Air Force just over two years ago through the Gap Year program, swapping landscaping for a role in Air Force Security.
His job involves patrolling the flight line and protecting aircraft such as the P-8 Poseidon, demanding teamwork and vigilance.
Despite a rotating roster of four days on, four days off, Leading Aircraftman Borg keeps his AFL skills sharp, playing locally for Gumeracha, where he first honed his craft as a junior.
"Footy's been in my blood since I was a kid," he said.
"My dad, uncle and whole family loved it. I played in the SANFL (South Australian National Football League) with North Adelaide, and now I love playing locally, with my parents and partner cheering every week."
'You step into the change room and it's like you've known everyone forever. It's a lot like the teamwork I rely on at Edinburgh.'
Juggling Air Force duties with AFL requires dedication. Limited to one of Gumeracha's two weekly training sessions due to night shifts, Leading Aircraftman Borg relies on gym time built into his 12-hour shifts to stay match-fit.
"We're lucky with this job. We get time to hit the gym during shifts, so I can keep my fitness up every day," he said.
His hard work paid off on April 26 this year, when he represented the Air Force in the Anzac Day match.
Selected for his stellar showing at the 2024 ADF Carnival in Melbourne, Leading Aircraftman Borg joined top Navy, Army and Air Force players to face the multi-service ACES team in a curtain-raiser to a Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne match.
Kicking the opening goal, he dominated the field, earning the title of best player in front of a huge crowd that swelled to 50,000 by the main game.
"Kicking that first goal felt unreal," Leading Aircraftman Borg said.
"Then doing the lap of honour in our ceremonial tunics, with the Last Post and guard of honour, was something I'll never forget. Playing at Adelaide Oval is not something that happens all the time."
The ADF team secured a strong victory, 12.7 (79) to 3.3 (21).
'Sport builds so much. It brings out your best and helps when you are playing, but also at work.'
For Leading Aircraftman Borg, the real win was the camaraderie.
"Footy feels like family," he said.
"You step into the change room and it's like you've known everyone forever. It's a lot like the teamwork I rely on at Edinburgh."
AFL has honed Leading Aircraftman Borg's leadership and confidence, skills he brings to his Air Force role.
"Sport builds so much. It brings out your best and helps when you are playing, but also at work," he said.
With Air Force AFL gearing up for a strong return at next year's ADF Carnival, Leading Aircraftman Borg is eager to inspire others.
"I'd tell anyone to give AFL a go - don't miss the chance to play. You'll make new mates and find a new family," he said
Backed by a supportive chain of command, Leading Aircraftman Borg finds the Air Force encouraging.
"My chain's awesome. They make it easy to compete in events. It's totally doable," he said.
As he prepares for next year's carnival, Leading Aircraftman Borg hopes his journey will rally Air Force personnel to lace up their boots and carry forward the proud tradition of Air Force AFL.
