2022 Peter Badcoe VC Medallist Connor Rozee, RSL SA State President Cheryl Cates and Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson pose for a photo. Image: Sean Anderson.

PORT ADELAIDE midfielder Connor Rozee understands the significance of this week’s Anzac Appeal Round, and is excited to again be part of the special commemorations against West Coast on Saturday.

Rozee last year won the Peter Badcoe VC Medal in the corresponding fixture, being recognised as the player who best demonstrated the Anzac spirit and the qualities of skill, courage, self-sacrifice, teamwork and fair play as Port got up over the Eagles.

For Saturday’s 1:15pm game at Adelaide Oval, Rozee and his teammates will wear a special commemorative guernsey, featuring a design inspired by the Lone Pine memorial at Alberton Oval.

The match-worn guernseys will be auctioned off, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to support the work of the RSL.

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2023 Anzac Appeal Round guernsey reveal | PTV

A look at our 2023 Anzac Appeal Round guernsey, which draws on inspiration from the Lone Pine monument at Alberton Oval.

Speaking to the media alongside CEO Matthew Richardson and RSL SA State President Cheryl Cates, Rozee spoke about the honour of playing in the Anzac Appeal Round, the team’s form in recent weeks, and going from playing in burst in the midfield to being tagged.

Connor Rozee on playing in the Anzac Appeal Round

“It’s a big honour. We’ve just spoken about what the round means and as players we don’t take it for granted. We’ve got a lot of fans and players in the past who have contributed (to active service) and the players in general know what it means and we love playing in these sorts of games.

“It’s a really special (occasion). Our club does a really good job at putting on these sorts of rounds. It’s a massive part of our club so we just can’t wait to get to the weekend and wear the special jumper.

“It looks really good. Again, our club does a really good job, I think we’re probably one of the better clubs at creating those sorts of jumpers, and the meaning behind it is really special to our club as well.”

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Anzac Appeal Round press conference - 18 April | PTV

Matthew Richardson, Connor Rozee and RSL SA/NT State President Cheryl Cates speak to the media ahead of Anzac Appeal Round.

Connor Rozee on where he keeps his 2022 Peter Badcoe VC Medal

“It’s hidden somewhere. I’ll try not to give it away. Someone will rob me.

“No, it’s on the cupboard next to my bed.”

Connor Rozee claimed his first Peter Badcoe VC Medal in 2022. Image: Matt Sampson.

Connor Rozee on the side’s back-to-back gritty wins over Sydney and the Western Bulldogs

“It is rewarding. We know we can take it to the best teams in the comp when we play the right way and we’ve brought that back to our defence. Our pressure’s been really good the last couple of weeks and that’s what really made us a good team over the last couple of years so if we keep that up, we can win most weeks and give ourselves a really good opportunity.

“We’re a really young team and we’re still building so hopefully we can take care of those inconsistencies and keep that confidence and belief going for three next few weeks and the rest of the year.

“It’s a long competition and a long year, and there’s going to be ups and downs but hopefully we can keep the ball rolling.”

Connor Rozee on the young group driving Port Adelaide’s midfield

“Jason (Horne-Francis) was massive on the weekend, Zak Butters as well. We’ve got a few young boys that have really stepped up and can hopefully take the next step and become consistent great players. If they play like they did on the weekend, it’s a pretty exciting group to be part of. We love to take the game on and play footy just for fun and that’s what makes us a fun team to watch and a fun team to be part of. I could name ten players who have taken the next step and hopefully they can keep going that way.

“I’m 23 now and probably not seen as part of that young core group anymore but I definitely feel like that. If I hang around 18, 19-year-olds it keeps you young.”

Rozee has commended fellow young midfielder Jason Horne-Francis for him impact late in the game in Round 5. Image: Matt Sampson.

Connor Rozee on being tagged after just one year playing midfield

“It is a new challenge. It’s something that I was mentally preparing for coming into this year a bit more but I think the guys around me have been awesome in stepping up and taking the load as well. It’s going to be a challenge going forward and something I’ve been trying to combat in training with different techniques to get around it but I’m looking forward to that sort of challenge going forward and hopefully I can keep building my game as a player because I feel like I’ve got a long way to go.”

Connor Rozee on his advice to Jason Horne-Francis about all the attention he receives

“I remember when I was 19, four years ago, just wanting to stay in the side and play football so I’m sure he’s not thinking about all the external expectations too much. He’s got a great support network around him. The boys are really close to him. He’s a great kid, really resilient and he’s going to be great for our football club hopefully for the next 10-15 years.

“(My advice is) to keep his group pretty small – which mostly comes from inside the football club and his family and friends – which he is doing well at the moment. I know Josh Carr is working closely with him and our support network as a playing group has really got around him. He’s going to be great for us in the long term so we’re really supporting him and getting around him as well as we can.”

Horne-Francis is a much-loved member of the playing group according to Rozee. Image: AFL Photos.

Connor Rozee on Charlie Dixon’s knee soreness

“He’s ok. He really wants to play this week so we’ll see how he goes (at training) on Thursday and re-evaluate then. We all know what Charlie’s like. He’s competitive and will want to be there on the weekend so we’ll re-evaluate later in the week.”