It was a football game full of heart as aviators at RAAF Base Amberley took to the field to raise funds for the Australian Heart Foundation and remember their fallen friend, Sergeant Michael 'Bally' Ball.
The Air Combat Group (ACG) versus Air Mobility Group (AMG) 'SGT Michael Ball Memorial' match had AMG taking a nail-biting extra-time win in the women's touch football game and ACG prevailing from the outset in the men's rugby league game.
Corporal Stuart Greaves, a 1 Squadron aircraft technician and match organiser, worked alongside Sergeant Ball for two years and said his death from a heart attack left a void that resonated throughout the RAAF community.
"This match was organised as a community event to honour and remember our mate Bally," Corporal Greaves said.
"Bally was an aviation enthusiast and his camaraderie endeared him to all.
"As a long-standing member of both ACG and AMG he was a passionate fan of the iconic F-111 'Pig' and held a deep admiration for the remarkable C-17.
"His lively spirit earned him the reputation of a true larrikin and, being a rugby league fan, we felt like this was a fitting way to honour his memory while raising money for a charity directly related to heart health."
Although the rivalry was strong, the game was about much more than winning the match.
It was a real family affair, which included a barbecue and aircraft flypasts, with the atmospheric turn out demonstrating the base's connection and sense of community to honour one of their own.
Over $4900 was raised for the Australian Heart Foundation in Sergeant Ball's honour.
The squadrons were also supported by the local Ipswich community through sponsorship and donations.
"Coming together as a community has always been a high point in my time as a RAAFie. I'm sure Bally would be so proud of the match, the mateship on and off the field and the contest of the game," Corporal Greaves said.
"It is my hope that we can make this an annual event as well as serving as a reminder to members to be mindful of their own cardiovascular health.
"Bally would always take the time out of his day to help everyone around him and, just as he changed our lives for the better, this match and the funds raised will carry forward his spirit of compassion and friendship, ensuring that his memory lives on."
