The Adelaide Football Club has launched its first commemorative Anzac Guernsey.
The special design depicts a bugler playing in front of the sun going down, which is represented by the Club’s hoops in red, orange and yellow, serving as a poignant reminder of the reverence of the occasion.
Included on the back of the guernsey are five red poppies, positioned to represent a wreath, and the words ‘Lest we forget’.
The Crows will don the guernsey during their match against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena, Hobart, on Saturday, April 27, coinciding with the AFL’s Anzac Day Round.
Following the match, all player issue and match worn guernseys will be available through auction, with all proceeds raised to going to the Returned and Services League (RSL) Anzac Appeal.
The Crows have also gifted all 118 RSL clubs in South Australia with a guernsey signed by a selection of AFL-listed players, which can be used for display or to assist fundraising efforts.
Anzac Day Round, which this year runs from April 24-28, is a tribute to those who have made, and continue to make, sacrifices for their country.
Adelaide forward Ben Keays, whose great-grandfather Fred Keays served in World War I and II, as well as playing football with Fitzroy and Collingwood, said he felt privileged to play a small role in honouring everything the day represents.
“The connection between footy and Anzac Day is something I’m passionate about,” Keays said.
“I’ve always been so proud to watch and play football on Anzac weekend, and it’s always been really special to my family.
“What the Anzacs did for us is so important and should never be forgotten, so we are really looking forward to pulling on this guernsey and playing a small part in that.”
Defender Mitch Hinge said players would wear the Anzac guernsey with great pride and a sense of responsibility.
“It’s so special to be able to play in this guernsey and we are grateful to have the opportunity to embrace the spirit of Anzac Round,” Hinge said.
“It’s incredibly important to remember and acknowledge those who have served our country. We hope we can go out there and do the guernsey proud.”
Henley and Grange RSL member and veteran Ian McLaren, who served in the RAAF from 1961-1970, and Peter Geelen, who served in the Royal Australian Artillery in Vietnam, met with Keays and Hinge to accept one of the signed special edition guernseys from the Club.
McLaren said it was important to reflect on the significance of the Anzac Day, and the AFL’s Anzac Round played a role in this.
“I think as time goes by, we tend to take the freedom that has been gifted to us for granted and Anzac Day is a time to remember just how much that freedom cost,” McLaren said.
A limited number of the commemorative Anzac guernseys will be available for fans to purchase online through CROWmania and at Friday night’s home match against Essendon, with part of proceeds from sales to be donated to the RSL Anzac Appeal.
