NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN
The Anzac spirit lives on
It’s a day Brisbane Lions defender Noah Answerth will never forget.
Round 6, 2019. Brisbane versus Gold Coast. QClash. Anzac Round.
An AFL debut made even more memorable for the stage on which it was played.
Only a lucky few footballers get to play on Anzac Round, let alone as their first foray into league footy.
“I’ve still got that jersey,” Answerth says. “Being my debut jumper it’s framed at home. My parents got it framed. To be my debut jumper but also an Anzac jumper, it’s pretty special.
“It’s not the typical Brisbane Lions jumper. I’ll get to look at it and remember always that I debuted on Anzac Round.
“Whether it’s in the AFL or just growing up playing local footy, this round is held in such high regard all over the country and for good reason.”
Like thousands of families across Australia, Anzac Day in the Answerth household is a time for respect and reflection.
It’s a day for the 24-year-old to remember his great grandfather, Mervyn George Baker, who served in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War and died before Answerth was born.
Through his great grandmother, “Nanna Baker”, he learnt all about Mervyn, the man whose war medals his family wears proudly on this day each year.
“He was pretty young when he enlisted in 1942,” Answerth said. “He served through to 1946, so post-war. He’s no longer with us.
“Nanna Baker passed away when I was 17 but through her I learnt a lot about Mervyn without actually ever knowing him.
“She was so well looked after towards the end of her life because (she was the spouse of) a serviceman. That’s just another reason I hold this day in such high regard – it showed a lot of respect for what those people did for our country.”
This week each year Answerth calls home and his family reflects on the service and sacrifices of not just Mervyn, but all armed servicemen and women – past and present.
“When Nanna Baker passed away we were lucky enough to be given his medals. They’re something hopefully we will be able to keep forever,” he said.
“It’s great to have something like that to remember him by.
“Life now is a lot different to what it was like during the war. I’m so lucky to have grown up in a country that’s been so well looked after.
“Those servicemen and women who have gone to war and are currently serving have protected everyone else from having to do so. To be able to go out and play footy and hold them in high regard with a lot of respect and honour, I know I’ll do my best to play in a way that shows that.”
For the first time since 2014, the Lions will play on Anzac Day. After the traditional MCG blockbuster between Essendon and Collingwood, the eyes of the AFL world will turn to Manuka Oval in Canberra for the Giants and Lions.
“This day gives you goosebumps,” Answerth revealed.
“Watching that Collingwood-Essendon game growing up as a kid, it was always something amazing to watch. Now to participate in that round and actually put on that jumper is a special feeling and something I’ll hold in pretty high regard.
“(The Giants) will be a great challenge, but that’s what you want … It’s a great time to come together as a team, have a really strong brotherhood and go up against a great side and hopefully knock them off.”