Warriors and Storm do Anzacs proud

In the lead up to the annual Warriors versus Storm clash, here’s a look at what it felt like to be at this game in 2012.

The day was slightly overcast, drizzles of rain continued to pour down and the smell of wet grass filled the air. It seemed ironic the way the weather had suddenly turned after previous days of warmth and sunshine.

When I checked the date on the calendar I knew why the weather had changed – today was April 25. Anzac Day. It is a day where we remember those who had fought bravely for the freedom we now enjoy. We remember the sacrifice they made for the future they wouldn’t live to see. We remember, no matter what happens, that Australia and New Zealand will always have each other in times of grief. We look at one another and hold out hour hands and say:

“Everything is going to be ok.”

For all our hatred on the sporting field and fighting dominance in our football codes, this is a day where none of that matters. There is to be no winner and no loser. It is a day when sport recognises it is about competing at the best of your ability and doing it for yourself and your mates.

So, as I walked down the long stretch of road of Swan Street towards AAMI Park I had a feeling that this was no ordinary game. Even after attending the previous three Anzac Day games this one felt different. The streets in and around Melbourne were filled with pride and there were no enemies. The front gates of the stadium filled with lines of Storm and Warriors supporters and in the depths of the stadium’s size it looked reminiscent of a trough filled with tired, mangled bodies.

There was nervous excitement between the two groups of supporters eager to see what the game would deliver to them. Yet they were willing to accept defeat even before personal glory.

Football has never seen a better set of rivals fighting it out on the field than it has between the New Zealand Warriors and Melbourne Storm. Three years ago when this concept came to bear fruit the weather was not too dissimilar to this season. Cold, wet, windy and absolutely miserable, where both teams had their chances to win but failed to take advantage. The game ended in a 14-all draw, and the exhaustion they showed after the match highlighted the true meaning of the occasion.

Three years on and as the new version kicked off there was a feeling of more of the same. For 70 minutes it lived up to the true spirit of Anzac Day.

Even though the Storm ran away with the game in the final minutes the strength of the match had already been won and the triumph had blasted its song. Because, for 70 minutes, we were treated to a real game of footy. There was no flash in the pants plays and run away tries. It was close, it was nail biting and it fitted the occasion – a close game is a great game.

The spoils of victory went the way of the Storm, though the Warriors could still be proud of their part in the game – they have always answered the Anzac Day call with great determination. They were never once put off by the daunting task of coming into Melbourne. They relished the challenge, as did the Storm, both sides wanting to show their pride and passion.

We, as fans, appreciated the effort made by the teams – they are the ones representing us. Our teams have the honour of showing the courage and sacrifice of the men and women fighting more dangerous battles. At the end of the game fans showed their deep appreciation of the players by giving both teams a loud and rapturous applause as they left the field.

The NRL deserves credit for making this concept a reality, even if it is just another way for them to earn more revenue. It has breathed new life into the meaning of Anzac Day on the football field.