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As a history teacher it has been wonderful to see the increasing reverence and popularity of Anzac Day in recent decades. The day has become inexorably linked to sport, something once vehemently opposed by the RSL.
I spent Anzac Day morning at local services, paying my own small tribute to family members and friends who have served. The afternoon was spent on the couch where, with the aid of some channel surfing and recording, I took in the AFL, NRL and Super Rugby’s pre-game commemorations.
How did they fare?
Firstly, let’s take a look at the AFL’s showpiece match.
About 92,000 gathered for the Essendon versus Collingwood match. The ground announcer asked everyone to stand and remove their hats – well done. The simplicity of a single drummer and drill sergeant giving commands brought the stadium to appropriate silence.
So much so, that during the minute’s silence you could hear the flag flapping in the breeze.
The addition of the New Zealand national anthem was a good idea, but seemed like an afterthought. It was performed without music and the opening verse was in Maori.
The crowd and players remained silent, standing in position until given the all clear.
The AFL have been holding an Anzac match since 1995 and it showed in their professionalism. The commentators thankfully avoided glib comparisons between sport and war. On a day when we remember the 102,000 Australians who have died in wars, it must be remembered that the two teams are playing a game; not going into battle.
Brilliant work from the AFL and Melbournians – 9.5 out of 10.
Two Super Rugby matches were held, both trans-Tasman affairs. One was in Auckland, the other in Canberra.
A half-full Eden Park looked poor in comparison to a packed MCG. The entire Auckland commemorations took place without crowd announcements. The woman reading the ode, who may or may not have had military connections, seemed awkward and said “we well remember them” twice.
Straight after The Last Post the crowd burst into applause and the minute’s “silence” lasted about 10 seconds. Appalling. Anzac commemorations should never be referred to as a celebration and applause is inappropriate -it’s a service of remembrance, similar to a funeral.
SANZAR had disallowed national anthems because the teams were not representing nations, like a test match. However Anzac is a truly national day in Australia and New Zealand. The lack of anthems made the Auckland (and later Canberra service) seem short and free of any national pride.
The Canberra commemorations had Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson reading the ode. The crowd were thankfully silent and the three service caps atop rifles was symbolic of loss of life. Once again the use of a single drummer was spot on.
Overall, the rugby scored 5 out of 10.
The NRL have come late to the Anzac Day match. A big crowd yes, but the empty sections did stand out (again in the almost impossible comparison to the AFL). A marching band, flags everywhere, VB logos on the ground, cadets, a stage, dignitaries – dancing girls anyone?
The AFL have shown that simplicity is the order of the day. Next year NRL, have a hats off and phones away announcement, please.
The inclusion of war veterans in jeeps was a good idea, but do they have to have club connections? The highlight of the entire day was the appearance of two Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, from the Kokoda Track (not ‘trail’). Brilliant idea. The commentators could not help themselves with war analogies, often cringe worthy.
The New Zealand part of Anzac stands for New Zealand and, with 10 players of Kiwi heritage on the field , “God Defend New Zealand” should have been performed. The half-wits yelling out after The Last Post should be ashamed of themselves, as well as being removed from the ground. I hope the stains on the St George jumpers were not an attempt at camouflage.
Sport and war comparisons are always condescending to veterans, especially on Anzac Day. A 6.5 for the NRL.
Unlike the bogan booze up that Australia Day has become, Anzac Day sits with the Melbourne Cup as one of our two truly national days. Sporting codes have the right to cash in on a public holiday.
They also have a duty to put on an appropriate, reverent and serious commemoration for our armed services.
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