Collingwood captain Darcy Moore has paid a poignant tribute to performing servicemen and servicewomen, veterans and their households after a dramatic Anzac Day match in entrance of a report crowd.
The MCG was full of 95,179 followers, the fixture’s largest crowd and the second-largest regular-season attendance ever, as Collingwood fought again from a 28-point deficit on the ultimate change to win 13.12 (90) to 11.11 (77).
Eloquent first-year captain Moore impressed along with his class when accepting the trophy.
“No matter whether you wear the black and white stripes or the red sash, this game is about so much more than four points,” he mentioned.
“I want to thank and mention all men and women who are serving our country’s interests, both at home and abroad, in war and in peacekeeping operations.
“It means lots to me and the group and the entire membership that we will commemorate your service and your sacrifice in the present day by doing what we do.
“To the veterans, there are over 600,000 veterans in this country who have returned from service, we also extend our thanks to you for your sacrifice.
“To the households of these serving and people veterans, too usually your tales go untold and on behalf of the Collingwood footy membership, simply need to acknowledge the ache of battle that runs by so many households throughout this nation.”
Collingwood’s Nick Daicos, awarded the Anzac Day Medal as best-on-ground, embraced the “enormous honour” of enjoying on the day.
“We’ve had individuals communicate across the membership throughout the week (about) what it means to so many individuals and the impact it is had on so many individuals,” he mentioned.
“So we’re tremendous grateful to go on the market and signify these individuals.
“I know we say that war can never be likened to football and I do agree, so we just try and give our all in that aspect.”
Essendon coach Brad Scott mentioned the event was necessary for the league.
“I said to our players, and even the coaches, ‘we’re too young to remember what our Australian soldiers have gone and done for us’,” he mentioned.
“Anzac Day is really important to all Australians and New Zealanders, but I think the AFL have done an exceptional job of putting it back front and centre.
“All these gamers, they’re too younger to grasp. We talked about, it is onerous to fathom sending a 18,19, 20-year-old off to defend your nation and combat for the freedoms that we take pleasure in in the present day.”
* FIVE BIGGEST ANZAC DAY CROWDS BETWEEN COLLINGWOOD AND ESSENDON
1. 95,179 in 2023
2. 94,825 in 1995
3. 93,373 in 2013
4. 92,241 in 2019
5. 91,731 in 2014
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
