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Every year, the debate about the ANZAC day match is revisited. Is it a respectful way to remember our soldiers? Is it fair that it is limited to the same two clubs?
And why those clubs?
I respect ANZAC day and those who stand for the good of our great country but I am not sure the ANZAC day clash really does justice to the day.
While there are measured attempts to resemble other ANZAC day activities, these simply seem to be token gestures to justify the use of the occasion to promote the game.
Of course the day has been a tremendous success for the AFL. This means every other club has some element of envy. Players in other teams are probably relieved they do not have to deal with the awkward scheduling and compromised recovery, but they would feel that they are missing an opportunity to participate in one of the biggest events on the AFL calendar.
Every other football department hypothetically factors in the gate proceeds into their own budget and dreams of playing in the match. However the current occupants argue the game would not be such a success if not underpinned by their enormous supporter bases – a valid point. What seems to be missed each year is the fact this is marketed as a tribute game to ANZAC day, yet most of the aftermath focuses on the marketing advantage to the occupants and the disadvantage to their players.
It is true that no amount of compensation from the AFL can justify the enormous exposure Essendon and Collingwood attract by playing on ANZAC day. They have cleverly installed it as one of the ‘fixtures’ of ANZAC day celebration – almost as if the ‘tradition’ is as much so as the dawn service. Not only is this not true; it is disrespectful to the actual ANZAC day services, especially when the tribute is only a few minutes of appropriately-themed pre-match entertainment.
Indeed the game has seemed to rejuvenate attention and interest in the day. It can be argued that this much-loved sport is a symbol of the freedom we enjoy as a result of the sacrifices of those who serve. But just playing the sport is not in itself a tribute to the day.
Adding some guards in uniform and a moving rendition of ‘the last post’ is gift-wrapping.
The interviews with players and coaches are fitting – particularly when they talk about their personal history, the people they know who have served and so on. Yet surely there are personnel in other clubs who have similar connections – should they be deprived of the privilege to pay homage? If either the AFL or the clubs are promoting this as a dutiful tribute, then it is selfishness or arrogance that suggests it should be exclusive.
There is no reason why this game should not be honoured by the AFL as a whole, thus all players should at the very least have the opportunity to be interviewed if not stand guard to the national anthem or, forbid, play.
Some will argue the occasion was created by these two clubs so they have earned the right to play. Kevin Sheedy was one of the masterminds behind the day – no longer connected with Essendon, should GWS now have a stake? Where does the ownership of the fixture really lie?
Some will suggest the game would not be so large if contested by different clubs. The previous year’s grand finalists would not only challenge that theory, but would possibly offer similar on field intensity and interest, if not more so. The two largest memberships from the previous year would also ensure a packed stadium – even if this was Victorian teams only at the MCG, and each other state hosted their own game.
Moreover, the Magpies and Bombers hardly need the blockbuster to attract fans: the AFL may actually improve the supporter base and interest of a ‘second-tier’ game and enjoy the profits. Ownership of this day truly belongs to something more than football – not these two football clubs, not even this nation solely – so it seems rich to suggest they have earned the rights to exclusivity.
North Melbourne once owned Friday night football; venturing out into an unrealised market and establishing a fruitful institution. This was despite the continuous warning from the AFL not to do so for fear it would be a financial failure. Instead, upon the ultimate success of the venture, the league identified the potential and dictated it should be shared as it was too great an advantage for one club.
Or arguably, that it could be further capitalised through the involvement of more clubs. Without arguing the equality of this, or the resulting abandonment of North Melbourne on Friday night, this case illustrates how tradition and ownership is more a league concept rather than club-centric.
Despite all this, the real concern for fan and general public alike should be the use of the word ‘tribute’. In what way is this game really a tribute? How is it any different to the marketing tactics to promote other blockbusters in the AFL fixture?
If the game is truly to be seen as a tribute, the proceeds should go to a suitable cause such as the RSL or veteran’s widows fund. As good as the game was this year – and often has been – neither of these clubs are doing anything substantial to justify the tribute match.
Indeed, due to the short turnaround this year, neither club visited the shrine as has been part of the preparation in previous seasons. In fact, we now hear players and coaches – who just days ago spruiked about the game and how it honours our soldiers in hard-fought battles – crying about soft-tissue injuries and video referrals. Not at all like the diggers they apparently were so committed to honouring.
Do not read this as a blight on the game, the clubs involved, the fixture or the day itself. Continue to hold the game and keep the manufactured ‘tradition’ between the existing clubs. Clubs should be encouraged to innovate and they should be rewarded for doing so. However, don’t call it a tribute until it truly is so. Support the relevant causes and it will be difficult to argue that the two largest supporter bases shouldn’t be charged with the fundraising initiative.
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