SPIRIT OF ANZAC
FOOTBALL on Anzac Day?
It’s a question that has long been debated. Should football be played on the most important day on Australia’s calendar, Anzac Day?
On Monday night, I found myself trying to explain to my five-year-old son about the significance of Anzac Day.
I’m sure my son didn’t really comprehend what I was trying to explain.
I thought about taking him to the dawn service, or another service throughout the morning.
Like any child of that age, I’m not sure that he would have stood up for the whole time and certainly would have lost interest very easily.
South Barwon and St Joseph’s football and netball clubs have had the privilege and honour of playing a standalone game on this day of remembrance and reflection for nine years now.
Being involved as a player and coach with South Barwon, I know this game is treated as one of the most important of the home-and-away season.
Not only are the games generally a physical and hard fought encounter, but it’s a chance for the players and coaching staff to show our respect and honour to those men and women who have served or are currently serving our country.
To remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reflect on what may have been, had these brave Australians not put their lives on the line.
My wife took our son to the game on Tuesday, although he wasn’t too impressed with his beloved South Barwon Swans.
He asked several questions during the Anzac service prior to the match.
Questions like: “why are they laying flowers (wreaths) down?” and “why are they playing the bugle?”
When I was told of this later on, I realised that this is exactly why football should be played on Anzac Day.
A child of that age, who is attending a game they love, to ask innocent questions about what they are witnessing in the pre-match service.
I can only hope that a seed has been sown, that will help him one day understand the significance of this day.
In years to come, whether I am involved in an official capacity with South Barwon or not, we will continue taking our children to a game of football on Anzac Day.
So for those who ask the question, “should football be played on Anzac Day?”
The answer from me will always be “absolutely”.