MICHAEL THOMPSON | April 24th, 2013
THE spirit of Anzac will be in the run, kick and jump of every player in tonight's Hermit Park Tigers-Curra Swans clash at Tony Ireland Stadium.
Both teams enter the inaugural AFL Townsville Anzac clash having yet to a lose game this season, but by this evening one side's streak will come to an end.
Neither outfit is prepared to take a backward step in a game both clubs rank as important as the competition grand final, and also a tribute to the Anzac ideals of mateship and sacrifice.
"We want our boys to think about what Anzac Day means for them and understand what it's all about," Hermit Park coach Dean Anderson said. "We have about six army blokes in our side and this will mean a lot for them in particular, but this game is important for the whole community.
"It's a game for everyone and I think it's a fantastic way to celebrate our history and get Townsville footy out there."
Curra and Hermit Park traditionally field a large proportion of Australian Defence Force personnel in their senior teams, with teams sometimes understrength because of military exercises and deployments.
Townsville-based 3rd Brigade will support the event with soldiers taking part in a pre- game Anzac memorial ceremony, including a rendition of the Last Post.
It's a concept that echoes the annual AFL Anzac Day clash which takes place at the MCG between Collingwood and Essendon. "It's definitely a privilege and honour ... to be playing this game," Curra captain-coach Adam McDonald said.
There's going to be a lot of passion out there. Historically we have a strong army presence and for the game we'll have about 10 to 12 former and current army personnel taking part."
Tonight's winning team will win the newly struck Anzac Cup and the game's best player will receive the AFL Townsville Anzac medal.
Kick-off for tonight's Anzac game is 8pm at Tony Ireland Stadium. Gates open 4pm with a reserves game between Hermit Park and Curra starting from 6pm.
Photo: ANZAC SPIRIT: Pte Gavin Martin (10FSB) and his Hermit Park Tigers skipper Jason Di Betta line up alongside Curra Swans captain Adam McDonald and Pte James McLaren (1RAR) ahead of tonight's inaugural AFL Townsville Anzac clash | Photo: ZAK SIMMONDS
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2013/04/24/379951_sport.html
Last Modified on 24/04/2013 10:28