Len Hall Game the perfect Anzac Day encore

 

Columnist

By Michael DiFabrizio, 29 Apr 2009 Michael DiFabrizio is a Roar Expert

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 AFL, Collingwood Magpies, Essendon Bombers, Fremantle Dockers

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Fremantle's Paul Hasleby and Sydney co-captain Brett Kirk contest the ball during the AFL ANZAC Day Round 05 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Sydney Swans at Subicao. Slattery Images

For the second straight year, Fremantle were entrusted with a night home game to back up the traditional Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day clash. For the second straight year, Fremantle didn’t disappoint.

Last year, Freo came within seconds of causing the season’s biggest upset against Geelong. They lost by a point.

This year, they once again defied form and footy logic against another quality side, Sydney, seeing out a 21-point victory.

The performance on the field arguably equalled the one off it, with the club once again paying respect to the Anzacs in what was the 14th annual Len Hall Game, named in honour of Western Australia’s last Gallipoli veteran.

The ceremonies were well-handled from start to finish, and the 32,000-strong crowd provided an atmosphere befitting of the occasion.

It’s a shame we don’t get this on Anzac Day every year.

Debate has long raged as to whether Collingwood and Essendon should have exclusivity over the day. Earlier in the week, fellow Roar writer Adrian Musolino provided a strong argument in favour of other clubs getting their fair share.

This is difficult to attain, however, particularly as the Pies and Bombers have staked their claim pretty well. Saturday afternoon was a perfect example of the success story their tradition has become.

But there is room for another match to take place after the main game.

Although the fixture this year was somewhat congested due to Anzac Day falling on a Saturday, last year’s double-header of sorts was a fabulous illustration of how the day can be shared around.

An extra game under lights at another venue ensures that two clubs – and only one state – do not have complete ownership of the day.

The one club staking a claim to play such a role is Fremantle. The Len Hall Game is already an established tradition, and currently it’s played during the Anzac round, but only the day itself when April 25 falls on a weekend.

The best part of a potential second game involving Freo would be that there’s no fixed opponent, which can provide a number of clubs with the opportunity to play on Anzac Day.

Another less-criticized anomaly that would be reversed is the fact that there are no longer any public holiday blockbusters played interstate. Brisbane no longer gets a crack at Easter Thursday. The Queen’s Birthday remains in Melbourne. Easter Monday remains in Melbourne.

Granted, Freo gets a Derby every year. But when you think that a lot of the above matches go to Collingwood – who are overloaded with blockbusters – it pales in comparison.

Here’s an opportunity to acknowledge and reward the good work of a club, regardless of what state they’re from.

From 2011 onwards, when Anzac Day begins falling on a weekday again, the Len Hall Game should continue to back up the traditional afternoon clash. It would be a refreshing change.

Follow Michael on twitter @mdifabrizio

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