Debate breaks out among AFL, NRL fans over playing of the Last Post
It’s one of the most iconic moments during both the AFL and NRL seasons, now debate has broken out over the sacred tradition.
Debate has broken out online over the playing of The Last Post throughout the entirety of the winter football rounds in the lead up to Anzac Day.
Outside of the Grand Final, the Anzac Day contest between Collingwood and Essendon is the biggest contest on the calendar for the AFL.
It’s a similar story in the NRL, outside of both the Grand Final and State of Origin series things don’t get any bigger.
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The games played on Anzac Day never fail to deliver with action-packed contests delighting the jam-packed crowds in attendance and the millions watching on across the country.
Before either the first bounce or the opening kick-off, hairs on the back of players and fans’ necks stand up with the playing of The Last Post.
Silence falls across the land as the traditional bugle rings out across the stadium speakers.
The AFL and NRL don’t contain the playing of the bugle to being played solely on Anzac Day with every game during the round holding a moment’s silence as the military tradition takes place.
But with round 8 in the NRL and round 6 in the AFL now underway, debate has taken over social media over the playing of the bugle.
ABC’s Brett Sprigg got the ball rolling by posing a question regarding the oversaturation of the tradition.
“Touchy subject but do we need The Last Post before every sporting event up to five days before ANZAC Day? It’s a sacred thing which should be reserved for the day, maybe the day before at a stretch. Are there other respectful ways to commemorate without getting bugle fatigue?” Sprigg tweeted.
The question evoked plenty of emotion online as fans from both codes and even non-footy fans weighed in on the topic.
Some were quick to slam Sprigg for even posing the question while others agreed the moment should only be played on Anzac Day.
Richard Edinger responded: “Having been part of the Funeral Service for our last Light Horseman and Gallipoli Veteran Trooper Len Hall who is immortalised in memory in Fremantle’s Len Hall game every year I am frankly astounded by this complete lack of respect.”
One user wrote: “Gives the chance for everyone to experience the moment. Not everyone can get to the game on Anzac Day. No harm.”
Commentator and ABC journalist Glen Lauder wrote: “Only on ANZAC Day for me.”
Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs added another element to the tribute prior to their Friday night clash when they had veterans and family members of veterans standing among the playing group.
It was a gesture that was lauded by fans who were watching on.
Journalist Alex Fair wrote: “What a beautiful moment that was to see the veterans in among the players during the national anthem. As good as it gets.”
Fremantle in particular have played the Last Post during the round in the lead up to Anzac Day for several years.
The game is known as the Len Hall game in tribute to the late army veteran who fought on the beaches of Gallipoli with the Anzacs.
The playing of the bugle for the Last Post signifies a moment that is monumentally bigger than any game being played.
But have the AFL and the NRL diluted the significance of it’s meaning by oversaturising it throughout the entirety of Anzac Round?
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