Anna Green’s boys to pay tribute to mum in Queen’s Birthday clash

Former Melbourne captain Brad Green says he’s lost the love of his life. But wife Anna would have been proud to see the couple’s two boys honour their mum in a very special way at the MCG on Monday.

Melbourne's Brad Green with his wife Anna.

Brad Green believes his wife Anna will be smiling down on their two sons as they lead the Demons onto the hallowed MCG turf for the Big Freeze game on Monday.

Just yesterday, the former Melbourne Football Club captain laid his wife to rest after a service at the MCG.

Green gave the eulogy, composed and surrounded by his friends, former teammates and the AFL community, who later formed a guard of honour.

The former Demons captain held the hands of Oliver, 9, and Wilba, 6, as they walked behind the hearse carrying their mother.

Brad Green knows Monday’s game in support of his former coach Neale Daniher’s fight against motor neurone disease will be an emotional day.

But thinking of Anna’s proud smile will give him strength.

Anna Green’s boys Oliver and Wilba will lead Melbourne onto the MCG. Picture: Instagram

“I will be so sad not to have Anna by my side at the game,” Green told the Herald Sun.

“Monday will be a very special moment for (our) families when Oliver and Wilba lead the Demons onto the ground at the MCG.

“Anna will be smiling down on us during that special moment as she was always smiling, and hopefully the Demons can get the win.”

Melbourne is a football town and the former Dees player Green says the support of his former club, his old teammates and close friends has been overwhelming.

This togetherness has given him strength in the aftermath of his wife’s sudden death.

Anna Green, 40, much-loved wife, mother, sister and daughter, the woman with the infectious smile died last week after a cardiac arrest.

“Anna was, and always will be, the love of my life,” Green says.

Brad Green with Oliver and Wilba. Picture: Tony Gough

Anna and Brad Green at the 2011 Brownlow Medal.

“Life will never be the same, but we will all take every day one step at a time. I know things will get harder before they get easier, but I have my boys and loved ones around me to help me.”

Before football, Brad and Anna lived just five minutes from each other in northern Tasmania.

A natural sportsman, Brad played cricket and soccer before concentrating his talents to footy.

Anna, the middle sister of three, is described is an adventurous spirit with dreams of travelling the world before becoming a flight attendant and creating successful fashion house, Wilo Green, named after her sons.

It wasn’t until they both moved to Melbourne that their lives intertwined. Brad says they never looked back.

DANIHER’S WIFE, DAUGHTERS LEAD CHARGE

This week, Melbourne captain Nathan Jones asked the boys if they would lead their father’s former club onto the ground and run through the banner.

Brad visited Neale Daniher this week with good mate and former teammate David Neitz.

Green says he drew strength from his former coach and mentor.

“I knew Anna would want to give back by supporting Daniher’s fight against motor neurone disease. That was the kind of woman she was,” said Green.

“I encourage everyone to dig deep as every cent helps us find a cure for this insidious disease,” Green said.

He says he will draw even greater strength from Anna, his wife with the infectious smile.

“Anna will live on through our beautiful boys,” said the Demon’s former skipper.

“I will be there for them every second of every day.

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