ADF Touch footballers squared off against some of the best players in the country at the Bundaberg Cup in early February.
But the opposition proved too strong and the Defence teams were defeated in all six matches.
ADF entered two triservice mixed open teams from south-east Queensland in the round-robin competition to develop skills for Defence and Australian representative events later this year.
Assistant technical director of ADF Touch and coach of the premier team, Leading Seaman Stephen Holmes, said the team worked hard together against strong competition to evolve over the two-day event.
"Coming in against very experienced teams was a big ask for us, but everyone really improved and worked well together," Leading Seaman Holmes said.
"We were really challenged throughout the tournament - not only developing individual skills and experience, but also working better as a team."
He said ADF was planning training camps and other initiatives to improve performance in future competitions.
Level six referee at the cup, Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Justin Hill, was impressed with the ADF teams.
"They put on a good show, demonstrated great sportsmanship and really immersed themselves into the culture of the game," WO2 Hill said.
He said that ADF vs civilian games provided an opportunity to build connections with the Australian touch community.
"There was good engagement between ADF and civilian players and the teams have a lot of fun," WO2 Hill said.
Captain of the premier team, Leading Aircraftwoman Nina Sherlock, said the Bundaberg Cup offered her team a chance to play against well-trained opponents.
"Even though we were down on the scoreboard, morale was high, our team stuck together and we played well," Leading Aircraftwoman Sherlock said.
"We are looking to compete every year. It's definitely a good comp to participate in and get the [ADF] name out there."
