The ADF women's All Stars were defeated by the ACT women's team 64-34 at Manuka Oval on April 26 in an AFL Anzac-round curtain-raiser.
The game opened at a fast pace, with the ACT applying early pressure and catching the ADF off guard.
As the game settled, ADF began to find rhythm, linking up more effectively and lifting their work rate after half-time.
But each time the All Stars looked to build momentum, the younger and faster ACT side responded to regain control - extending their lead to 20 points before the third quarter.
All Stars began to create more opportunities towards the end, but ACT maintained their advantage despite the late push.
For forward player Seaman Amber Heslop, the match carried special significance - returning to Canberra and lining up against her hometown side in front of family.
"It's a bit of a full-circle moment, coming back here and actually getting to play," Seaman Heslop said.
"One of the assistant coaches on the ACT team was my coach from my last club here."
Seaman Heslop said it took time to find cohesion with only a week to prepare.
"We hadn't quite gelled early and were still working out how we wanted to play," she said.
Forward player Corporal Casey Tinker returned to the side 16 years after her first appearance, describing the match as one of the proudest moments in her 30-year football journey.
"To come together a week before a game and still play our absolute hearts out is inspirational," she said.
