Revived and inspired for Anzac blockbuster
Ed Langdon spent countless Anzac Day mornings at the Shrine of Remembrance when he was a student at nearby Melbourne Grammar.
He revelled in the stories of the men and women who have represented Australia at war across more than a century and admired their selfless sacrifices.
Now, years later, Langdon sees it as a privilege to play for Melbourne each year in the Anzac Eve contest against Richmond at the MCG, complete with a stirring pregame ceremony against the backdrop of the eternal flame.
“It’s a real highlight of our fixture,” Langdon said as he returned to the Shrine with his teammates in preparation for Wednesday night’s clash.
“All the guys love playing in this game. Every year we get to represent our footy club in a very special game that commemorates the men and women who have served Australian and New Zealand over the years.
“This game just keeps getting bigger and bigger. The last few years have been really fun and exciting to play in. Any time you can play in front of a big crowd is great, and to do it on such a special occasion, it is definitely something we do not take for granted. It is just like playing finals footy.”
Langdon has played in the past three Anzac Eve clashes since joining the Demons from Fremantle – with Melbourne winning the hat-trick.
And while he doesn’t have any close family connections to war, he knows acutely about the sacrifice a number of Melbourne players made during the two world wars.
“Our best and fairest is named after (Keith) ‘Bluey’ Truscott, who had a very decorated history and he is certainly still celebrated within the club,” Langdon said.
“There are so many decorated Melbourne players who served their country and many who sacrificed their lives, so that’s why this is always a special night for us.”
Truscott played 50 games for Melbourne from 1937 to 1940, as well as one famous comeback game while on leave in 1942. He was a member of the 1939 and 1940 Melbourne premiership sides.
He was also one of Australia’s best flying aces in World War II, before his death – aged only 26 – in a training exercise off Exmouth, in Western Australia, in 1943.
Langdon said of the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance: “It’s such a beautiful space here, the Shrine is a very special place.”
The 28-year-old is confident the Demons can bounce back from a disappointing performance against the Brisbane Lions almost a fortnight ago, saying the bye break had recharged the players’ batteries at the right time.