PORT ADELAIDE's clash against West Coast this weekend will be one rich in meaning and significance as the club prepares to honour those who have and continue to serve their country.
Entering the 19th consecutive year of hosting an Anzac Appeal Round game, club Chief Executive Officer Matthew Richardson has reflected on the significance of the round, acknowledging the importance it has on the Port Adelaide community.
“This is an important round in the AFL, and the 19th consecutive year Port Adelaide has hosted an Anzac Appeal Round game,” Mr. Richardson said.
“It is a significant round for our Club. It has deep connection for the people at our club, past and present and we are proud to play our role in celebrating and honouring all that this represents.
“Port Adelaide AFLW star Maria Moloney is currently serving in the Royal Australian Air Force, and the club has 130 past players and officials who have served our country since 1915, 14 of whom sadly never returned.
“We take the role we play in Anzac Appeal Round with great pride and responsibility.”
The club will commemorate the important round with a meaningfully designed Anzac appeal guernsey as a tribute to those who have made and continue to make sacrifices for their country.
“This Saturday, Port Adelaide players will wear a commemorative Anzac guernsey that has been carefully designed drawing on inspiration from the Lone Pine monument at Alberton Oval,” Mr. Richardson said.
“The tree is a descendant of the original Lone Pine on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, which marked the site of the battle of Lone Pine in August 1915.
“The tree was planted at Alberton in 2015, in memory of the men and women of the local Port Adelaide district who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War 1.
“Included in the guernsey design are the words ‘Lest We Forget’ and the ADF icons to represent all aspects of our Defence forces.
Port Adelaide’s support of the ADF Veterans extends throughout the year through Power Community Limited (PCL) ADF Veterans program, which is designed to support recently discharged Veterans transition back into civilian life and find their purpose and identity away from the ADF.
Drawing on the similarities between the transition of ADF Veterans and AFL athletes, the program provides the opportunity for participants to share experiences and support, while allowing them to form and foster support networks and relationships.
Sessions are delivered by PCL’s staff, in addition to past and current Port Adelaide players, coaches, and high-performance staff. For more information on the program, click here.
