Melbourne’s Anzac Day sporting traditions unite to support veterans

As Collingwood and Storm prepare to host their biggest home-and-away matches of the year, stars of the clubs reveal why the occasion means so much to them.

Melbourne Storm centre Grant Anderson views Anzac Day as an opportunity to honour his pop – and this year, he hopes to do so on the field during this club’s biggest regular-season match of the year.

The 25-year-old’s grandfather, Alf Haavik, served for Norway in the air force during WWII.

“He’s not with us anymore, but his name still lives on,” Anderson said.

“Me and my family always go to Dawn Services, every year.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to play (on Anzac Day) yet, so this year is going to be special one if I get that chance.”

Having cemented himself in Storm’s starting side so far this season, Anderson is expected to line up against the Rabbitohs in the club’s 17th annual Anzac match at AAMI Park. Last year’s crowd exceeded 25,000, so fans are urged to buy tickets now so they don’t miss out.

The match will serve as a fundraiser for the RSL’s Anzac Appeal along with the day’s other major sporting events: the Collingwood-Essendon blockbuster at the MCG and the 64th Anzac Day Race Day at Flemington.

Veteran Vincent Browne, Melbourne Storm’s Grant Anderson, jockey Celine Gaudray, Collingwood star Jack Crisp, and veterans Salina Parton and Jacob Gossage a the Shrine of Remembrance. Picture: David Caird

Jockey Celine Gaudray said the race day provided an opportunity to “honour the bravery and sacrifices of the humans and horses” who had served.

Collingwood midfielder Jack Crisp said he would be thinking of his grandmother’s cousin, a veteran, during his club’s “biggest game of the year”.

“He holds this day dear to his heart, loves coming to (the match),” Crisp said.

He added the Pies were desperate to improve on last year’s dramatic draw with the Bombers: “We don’t like draws, we want to win.”

Having the AFL, NRL and racing industry “broadcast the message across Australia that the Anzac Appeal helps veterans” was significant for the cause, said Vincent Browne, military advocate for RSL Victoria.

“We have a large caseload of veterans in need – from homeless veterans to members suffering from significant mental health who need help with housing, accommodation, fuel, food,” he said.

Mr Browne – who spent 10 years in the Army as an infantry soldier – said Anzac Day allowed him to “reflect with mates that I served with”, and on his relatives who also served: his brother, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Anderson, Gaudray and Crisp represent Melbourne’s Anzac Day sporting traditions. Picture: David Caird

Storm match attendees can donate to the RSL on entry. The stadium lights will then be turned off for a First Nations and Māori cultural display, the Last Post, a minute’s silence and the national anthem to be performed under spotlight.

The players will don a jersey inspired by Melbourne-born pilot Air Commodore Arthur Henry ‘Harry’ Cobby of the No.4 Squadron.

At Flemington, Watsonia RSL members will sell pins across the racecourse, which will also host an Anzac ceremony in the Mounting Yard.

The day will be headlined by the 167th Listed VRC St Leger – one Australia’s oldest classic races, previously won by Phar Lap – and acknowledge Flemington’s wartime ties, which extend back to its use as a training ground during WWII.

Collingwood and Essendon fans are urged to “stand together” and donate to the Anzac Appeal. An on-field service will take place prior to the first bounce.

The RSL’s Anzac Appeal is Australia’s major national fundraiser to provide support for veterans, many of whom need help to adjust to civilian life after service. To donate, visit anzacappeal.com.au

Melbourne sporting traditions on April 25:

Anzac Day Race Day, Flemington, first race 1pm

Collingwood vs. Essendon, MCG, 3.20pm

Storm vs. Rabbitohs, AAMI Park, 8.10pm

Originally published as Melbourne’s Anzac Day sporting traditions unite to support veterans