If you thought that the only setting for the 2008 ANZAC Day match was on the lush green paddock at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then think again.
The real battle happened at the Tallil Air Base on a rough dirt oval, played in blistering 40-degree heat.
Surrounded by tanks (in case the Umpire made too many dodgy decisions!), Aussie soldiers created history by playing what is the first known organised game of Aussie Rules in Iraq on April 23, 2008.
Above: Tanks for the memory of a great game!
Australian soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 swapped their usual desert camouflage uniforms for Collingwood and Essendon jerseys. The Essendon and Collingwood footbal clubs donated the jerseys for the traditional match-up.
The teams battled on a rough dirt oval for two 15-minute halves.
Football was the winner on the day, but for the record, the 'Bombers' got up by one point.
Above: The big men fly in Iraq.
The 516 soldiers of Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 are mostly drawn from units of the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade. The Battle Group comprises the headquarters and cavalry squadrons of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), operating Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs); an Infantry company from the 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) operating Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMVs); and specialists from the 7th Combat Services Support Battalion.
OBG(W)-4 is based at Tallil Air Base from where it undertakes a security overwatch role for Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces as part of a larger Coalition Force.
The security role supports the Iraqi Security Force’s (ISF) and Provincial Government’s efforts to build a secure and stable Iraq. In this role OBG(W) 4 undertakes security patrols, develops ISF capabilities and supports reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. OBG(W)-4 operates as part of the Multi National Force - Iraq (MNF - I).
