Running out onto Optus Stadium on Anzac Day will hold a little more significance for Crows utility Dan Curtin - and not just because it will be the first time he lines up in an AFL game in his home state.

Curtin’s uncle, Aron Cody, is a former Australian Army Officer, having served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in East Timor as a Rifleman.

He also holds a trio of honours, after being awarded an Australian Service Medal following his time in East Timor, as well as a United Nations Medal and a Defence Force Medal.

Ahead of the Crows’ clash against Fremantle, Curtin said Anzac Day was an important date and the sacrifices of all who served should never be forgotten.

“For us, we are just super proud of him (Cody) and lucky to have him part of the family,” Curtin said.

“It’s pretty cool that we get an opportunity to play on Anzac Day this year and it’s incredibly important to remember everyone who has served for our country.

“I am absolutely honoured to be selected to play on the day, I think it’s awesome for the Club and I won’t be taking a second for granted while I’m out there.

“The build up and everything they do before the game and then after is going to be great to be a part of.”

Cody will be in the Crows’ guard of honour on Friday, alongside Curtin’s mum, Sara, Dad Russell, step-mum Ingrid, sister, India, and grandmother, Dai.

Curtin says having his family line up in Crows gear as he runs out will be a moment he won’t forget.

“It’s so great to be able to have him there in the guard of honour as I’m running out,” Curtin said.

“I don’t get to see him or the rest of my family much, unless they come over to Adelaide, so it will be huge to be able to see their faces as I run onto the ground.”

Cody, who joined the army in 2000, went on to be a Physical Training Instructor and held the rank of Corporal. 

Speaking to AFC Media, he said he was grateful for his experience within the Australian Defence Force.

“It was something quite new for me, my parents never served, but I did hear of my great grandad serving, so it wasn’t like a generational thing,” Cody said.

“It was something I always wanted to do when I was younger, to serve my country, deploy overseas for the Australian Defence Force and just because of the mateship of being part of the defence force.

“I deployed to East Timor when I was 26, it was a good experience, we did a lot of training before going, so it was good to put that training into practice.”

Cody said he was looking forward to watching Curtin play footy live on what is one of the most significant days in Australian history.

“Anzac Day means a lot to me, it’s that one day of the year on the calendar where people can take time to reflect on all the people who have served,” Cody said.

“So many have fought and died for our country and for us to live the way we do today, so it’s really important to recognise that.

“It means a lot to see Dan play and I am really excited for him and can’t wait.”

The Crows’ Anzac Day clash will mark the fourth time the Club has had a game scheduled on the significant date, after lining up on April 25 in 1993, 1999 and 2021.

It will be the 28th iteration of the Len Hall Tribute game, a match Fremantle has hosted every year since 1996 on Anzac weekend, to honour those who have served.

And for the first time, there will be a medal awarded for the player judged best-on-ground, with the honour named after Arthur Leggett, a World War Two veteran who died on April 6. 

He was 106.

The AFL’s ANZAC Appeal Round, which this year runs from April 24-27, is a tribute to those who have made, and continue to make, sacrifices for their country.

Adelaide faces Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Friday at 7.40pm (ACST).

The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 Adelaide, Kayo and Fox Footy.