Adelaide United Legends to face ADF in Remembrance Round Original Rivalry curtain raiser

Adelaide United will continue its proud Remembrance Round tradition when the Reds Legends take on an Australian Defence Force (ADF) representative team in a special curtain raiser ahead of the Original Rivalry against Melbourne Victory on Sunday, 8 November.

Kicking off at 2:00pm at Coopers Stadium, the 60-minute clash will bring together former Reds favourites and ADF personnel representing the Navy, Army and Air Force, setting the scene for Adelaide United’s first home match of the 2026/27 A-League Men season.

The fixture will feature a star-studded Legends line-up, headlined by the first-ever appearance of Adelaide United’s all-time appearance holder, Isaias. Former Reds favourites Jordan Elsey and Jordan O’Doherty will also pull on the Legends shirt for the first time.

They will be joined by a host of familiar faces, including Lucas Pantelis, Marcos Flores, Javi López, Michael Marrone, Michael Jakobsen and Iain Fyfe and coached by Ben Dale.

2026 Legends Squad:

Fabian Barbiero	Michael Marrone
Michael Brooks	Daniel Mullen
Chad Bugeja	Jordan O’Doherty
Jordan Elsey	Lucas Pantelis
Marcos Flores	Adriano Pellegrino
Iain Fyfe	David Scarsella
Michael Jakobsen	Jason Spagnuolo
Matt Kemp	Adam van Dommele
Javi López	Isaias

The Legends will be looking to build on last year’s success, having secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Michael Marrone. His decisive strike earned him the Tomas Dale Medal, awarded to the player who best embodies sportsmanship and respect.

The ADF representative team, meanwhile, will be eager to reclaim bragging rights following the Legends’ victory, with personnel from across the three services coming together for the occasion. In the lead-up to the match, the ADF squad will once again train at Adelaide United’s Training Centre.

Honouring those who served

Following the curtain raiser, Adelaide United’s annual Remembrance Round Ceremony will take place ahead of the A-League Men fixture, continuing a proud tradition that began in 2011.

The ceremony will feature the reading of the Ode of Remembrance, bugle renditions of the Last Post and Rouse, and a moment of silence to honour all those who have served and sacrificed.

The Reds will also take to the pitch wearing specially pressed kits featuring a poppy design and match details in recognition of Remembrance Day.

Following the match, each match-worn shirt will be auctioned, giving supporters the opportunity to own a unique piece of Adelaide United memorabilia while contributing to a meaningful cause.

ADF community stands manned by Navy, Army, and RAAF personnel will feature throughout the stadium on the day.

The Tomas Dale Medal

At the conclusion of both matches, the Tomas Dale Medal will once again be presented to the player who best demonstrates the values of sportsmanship and respect.

The medal commemorates Private Tomas Dale, who tragically lost his life during operations in Afghanistan in 2010. It serves as a lasting tribute to his courage and sacrifice, while recognising the enduring connection between football and the Australian Defence Force.

The medal has become a significant part of Adelaide United’s Remembrance Round, with past recipients including former Reds favourites Dario Vidosic, Marcelo Carrusca, Ryan Kitto and Zach Clough. In 2025, Luka Jovanović received the A-League Men’s medal.

Previous Tomas Dale Medal Recipients:

2011 Iain Ramsey
2012 Dario Vidosic
2013 Marcelo Carrusca
2014 Not awarded
2015 Not awarded
2016 Jordan O’Doherty
2017 Nigel Boogaard (Newcastle Jets)
2018 Shane Lowry (Perth Glory)
2019 James Troisi
2020 Not awarded
2021 Not awarded
2022 Ryan Kitto (Remembrance Day), Nestory Irankunda (Anzac Day)
2023 Joe Lolley (Sydney FC)
2024 Zach Clough
2025 Luka Jovanovic

Curtain raiser schedule – Sunday, 8 November