For the first time since 1994 there won’t be an Anzac Day match between Essendon and Collingwood. The fixture had become one of the most anticipated matches outside the Grand Final and it’s easy to see why.
Fremantle play the Len Hall ANZAC day Tribute match every year. Its a Fremantle initiative to honour Len Hall, the last surviving Gallipoli veteran from WA. Freo invited West Coast to participate just once, but after a 35 point loss, they reverted to involving interstate teams. It could be argued that when Freo plays a working-class team like the Bulldogs or the Kangaroos, they are more representative of the ANZACs than Essendon or Collingwood, the 'silver spoons' of the AFL. As it's always a home game Freo have won 15 of the 22 games.
Johnno
Roar Rookie
When asked to comment......
Johnno
Roar Rookie
As Jimmy Bartel said when she’d to comment on the ANZAC game......”I never had the privilege”.
TRhing-me
Roar Rookie
This has always puzzled me. aNZac Day VFL?
Rissole
Roar Rookie
I was lucky enough to be there for that game in the nosebleeds. I can still imagine the crowd noise when thinking on it.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
No, no great AFL moments. Just 1/9th of the comp is always involved. The ANZAC ethos is egalitarian. This is not. Self-serving jingoism is all it is.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Thanks Matches but nothing helps
Matches
Roar Rookie
If it helps Pete. Collingwood have won 15 of the 25 Anzac day games since '95, & 8 of the last 10.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
The only consolation Paul is it wasn’t another Grand Final loss. Can you imagine? I literally would not cope. I’d need to be medicated.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
A pity this year not played as it falls on a saturday so more than one game.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
That Zaharakis goal - chills. What a moment, what a game
Matches
Roar Rookie
Fremantle play the Len Hall ANZAC day Tribute match every year. Its a Fremantle initiative to honour Len Hall, the last surviving Gallipoli veteran from WA. Freo invited West Coast to participate just once, but after a 35 point loss, they reverted to involving interstate teams. It could be argued that when Freo plays a working-class team like the Bulldogs or the Kangaroos, they are more representative of the ANZACs than Essendon or Collingwood, the 'silver spoons' of the AFL. As it's always a home game Freo have won 15 of the 22 games.