In Darwin, dragonflies mark the start of the dry season.
At an AFL game, the blast of a siren welcomes the first bounce.
Combine these with a minute's silence and The Ode, and the fifth annual Anzac Shield game was under way.
The annual charity match, now in its fifth year, is a celebration of mateship, service and spirited rivalry between those who wear a uniform in the Top End - whether it is on the streets or out in the field.
A dominant four quarters by the men saw the ADF take down NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services (PFES) in a convincing 7.16.58 to 2.5.17, with the women going down swinging to a strong opposition.
A moving pre-match Anzac ceremony set the tone, with the band of the 1st Brigade playing the national anthem.
Unfortunately, injured and sidelined from playing, Leading Seaman Matt Cameron helped lead the men to a back-to-back win in his first year coaching.
"We always love to beat the PFES and to now have won four of the five games really gives us the upper hand," Leading Seaman Cameron said.
"It was a hard game; the police came out hard but the boys were tough at the footy.
"We started off slow but gelled at half-time and the results were shown on the scoreboard. Being the first time coaching, I was a bit nervous going in but the team stuck by me and the plan."
Triple-hatting as event organiser, coach and player, Major Krystelle Jones said being a Sunday in Darwin, this game was about bringing friends and family together.
"It's about off the field as well as on the field, and just getting out there and playing four quarters," Major Jones said.
"We had the better second half, but they got the initial jump on us. Another five or 10 minutes and we would've had them."
Major Jones said the fact the game fell on the long weekend, with the surrounding high tempo of Anzac Day, meant there was a good turnout at TIO Stadium.
"We had girls running around for the first time against an opposition with players who have played in the Women's AFL. Regardless of winning or losing, it's all about Legacy," Major Jones said.
The day raised just shy of $2000 through entry donations and food van purchases, with all proceeds going to both ADF and Police Legacy.
