First ever Crows commemorative Anzac guernsey set to debut in next week’s Anzac Day Round

The Adelaide Crows have revealed their first ever commemorative Anzac guernsey set to debut in next week’s special round.

At the house of the dad of Ben Keays there is in the Adelaide vice-captains words “a little mini museum”.

But it is not of his career, it is of great-grandfather Fred Keays and the proud and rich history of national service - as well as footy - in the family.

It is why the first ever Crows commemorative Anzac guernsey for the next week’s Anzac Day Round is an extremely special one for Keays.

Crows duo Mitch Hinge and Ben Keays in the Anzac guernseys. Picture: Sarah Reed Photography / Corporate Conversations

Fred was just 16 when he was enlisted in World War I and 17 when he was sent to Gallipoli with the 8th Battalion.

He then served in World War II from 1940-45, and was joined by five of his children.

Between the two wars, Fred played five VFL games for Fitzroy and two for Collingwood.

It makes the Anzac Day Round one of the special ones on the calendar for Keays.

“It means a lot, to me personally the marriage between Anzac Day and footy has been something that has been in my family for a long time and is something that as a country we celebrate a lot with the annual Anzac Day game round,” he said.

“I’m really proud to speak about it, it is something that I have learnt a lot more about since I’ve gotten older.

Crows Anzac Day Round guernseys. Picture: Sarah Reed Photography / Corporate Conversations

“Dad has done a whole lot of work to uncover it all and keep all the records and medals and things like that.

“We have pretty much got all the memorabilia, all the jumpers and that saved up so we have a little mini museum at his house.”

To wear the first ever Crows commemorative Anzac guernsey will make next week’s clash against North Melbourne in Hobart a special match for Keays.

“It’s the first time we have ever worn an Anzac guernsey as a club so to be a part of that team to wear it will be really special,” he said.

“It looks unbelievable.”

The guernsey has a special design that depicts a bugler playing in front of the sun going down, represented by the club’s hoops in red, orange and yellow.

Included on the back of the guernsey are five red poppies, positioned to represent a wreath and the words ‘Lest we forget’.

Following the match against the Roos, all player issue and match worn guernseys will be available through auction, with all proceeds raised to going to the Returned and Services League (RSL) Anzac Appeal.

The Crows have also gifted all 118 RSL clubs in South Australia with a guernsey signed by a selection of AFL-listed players, which can be used for display or to assist fundraising efforts.