It is true that despite allegiances, the traditional AFL ANZAC Day game has the ability to bring supporters from all clubs, together as one united community – albeit for one day only.
Though some might see it as just a local Sydney game, the stand-alone ANZAC Day clash this Friday between Western Suburbs and Pennant Hills, aims to do the same.
While the courageous ANZAC attitude rises from a time of hardship to which football cannot compare, it is the spirit of mateship that lies within both, which brings the local game to glory.
Western Suburbs representative, Carlo Zoppo says his club understands that this game is like no other on the calendar.
“Our ANZAC Day match has been a special day for Wests for many years. We understand the significance of the day and importantly, the sacrifices that our men and women of the armed forces made in many different conflicts around the world.”
“We enjoy our lifestyles partly due to their efforts.”
For many at the Western Suburbs, ANZAC Day is personal. Having known men and women who have served in conflicts past and present, the Magpies are said to be inspired by their efforts, not only on the field, but also off as some have even joined the services to continue the ANZAC tradition.
“ANZAC Day is their special day, and the one day when we acknowledge their efforts and sacrifices, and remember our fallen servicemen and women.”
Providing the ceremony to which ANZAC Day deserves and expects, Picken Oval and the Western Suburbs Magpies will this year be hosting local dignitaries, members of the Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, local youth groups, and their opponents for the day, the Pennant Hills Demons.
As with tradition, each club captain along with representatives from Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL and Magpie Sports, will lay a wreathe at the cenotaph, proceeded by the Ode to the Fallen Soldier, and the sound that will ring out across the country throughout the day, the Last Post and Reveille.
The club is also happy to be welcoming the Mayor of Canterbury Council, and football fan, Brian Robson who has been given the honour of tossing the coin prior to the match that starts at 1pm.
“After the ceremony, the game will commence and the best team- hopefully Wests -will win the match,” says Zoppo.
Last year’s Grand Finalists have the momentum going into the Round 4 matchup, coming off a victory against UNSW Eastern Suburbs last Saturday, while Western Suburbs could only muster a heart-breaking draw against St George.
“We were disappointed about the draw against St George as we led most of the game and had a handy lead going into the fourth quarter. So, we should have been able to keep them out.”
“Otherwise, we are relatively happy with the first two wins of the season. We appreciate that we will only know how we are going once we have played most of the top teams”.
The Magpies encourage all of those that come along, to join the team after the match – win, lose or draw- at the Magpie Sports Club for a game of two-up and a chance to raise a glass.
Western Suburbs play Pennant Hills on Friday, 25 April 2014. The ceremony will begin at noon.
Last Modified on 24/04/2014 16:28
