But to do it on Anzac Day, against New Zealand, is even more special.

So when Berry's Daniel Knapp and his Australian Defence Force women's hockey side travel to New Zealand to battle NZDF Hockey, it's going to be a massive privileged for all involved - especially as the match will be played as a curtain raiser to the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras' respective clashes with New Zealand.

Knapp first got involved in the sport as an 11-year-old, which led top him being picked for the first of his 10 ADF caps as a player in 2005.

"2005 was my debut year for ADF hockey, which saw me represent HMAS Albatross in the Jubilee Cup," Knapp said.

"That was a great year representing Navy side, NSW ADF combined and the ADF National team on UK tour.

"Throughout my time as a player, I was very fortunate to pull on the jersey 10 times, which also included a New Zealand tour in 2008.

"During that tour, I was named SAAB most valuable player, which was massive highlight of mine."

After a decorated playing career, the now 38-year-old tried his hand at coaching 10 years ago, which to his first to his first 'big break' in 2011.

"My first big break in coaching began in my civilian club of Hale when I was posted to Perth in 2011," he said.

"I was selector/coach/captain in one of the men's side, and had responsibility of lower grades selection as well a baptism of fire, dealing with disgruntled players, parents and mates.

"But rapture as we won A grade that had never been won by the club, which was a great feeling.

"It was invaluable experience that I have used to this day."

This experience led the now petty officer at HMAS Albatross to player/coach the NSW ADF men' s side, which led to him being nominated for the men's national assistant coach of the 2013 tour to the United Kingdom.

"My performance was scrutinised by the president of the association, who then approached me to undertake the head role of the women's program," Knapp said.

"It was a decision I didn't take lightly as I was working on the men's program at the time, but head coach position was a great opportunity.

"I accepted and was given full control and authority to carry out the program as I saw fit."

This saw Knapp announced as the official head coach at the 2014 ADF combined services dinner - a role he has held ever since.

"The ADF women's program is something I have spent a lot of energy, time and care with," he said.

"I am happy to say we have improved every year I have been involved and we are very close to achieving the inaugural tournament win at the Australian Country Championship (neither the men or women have won this tournament), and it is very rewarding."

Before they compete at those titles, Knapp and his side will cross the Tasman Sea to battle their New Zealand counterparts.

"I'm very proud to have this opportunity," he said.

"I am very competitive and an international curtain raiser to the FIH Hockey Pro League match between Australian and NZ teams is as big as it gets.

"I am grateful for the unique opportunity the ADF has provided, but definitely relishing this challenge.

"The event allows the ADF and NZDF to continue to foster the well-developed mateship that already exists between the two defence forces."

Despite being in the chair for five years, this in Knapp's international cap as head coach.

"It's going to be a hard scrap against New Zealand," he said.

"As proud as we are about punching above our weight in Australia, the Kiwis relish getting up and giving it to us.

"We are touring as well, which means the advantage lies with the host nation.

"Our coaching staff have strategies to combat the way the New Zealanders will play, and how to manage the three-Test series.

"It is all part of the challenge to go over there and bring the silverware home.

"To to mention Anzac Day holds special significance to both our nations and the recent Christchurch events underpin the importance and value to our two countries relationship.

"This is the first time the ADFHA (ADF Hockey Association) has been on tour over Anzac dDay and we will use this event to remember one of our former ADF player corporal Ash Birt who was killed in Afghanistan on October 29, 2011."

Knapp, who's squad contains fellow Berry Hockey Club payer Courtney McVeigh, ranks this as his top achievement to date in the sport.

"International tours are very rare, our last was UK in 2013," he said.

"To tour overseas and win on opposition home turf is the ultimate challenge.

"This is my first tour as head coach, combined with the significance of Anzac Day and a national team curtain raiser for the final Test match of three - it will rank at the top of my achievements."

The ADF's tour runs from April 18 to 26, with the three-Test series being played Auckland's Harbour Hockey Complex.

The first match will be on April 22, before game two the following day - with the final Test on April 25.