The ANZAC spirit is a concept that has been a part of Australian life, language and art for over a century. The term is rooted in myth and legend, as well as harrowing fact. On this day, we often are reminded of the qualities that all servicepeople across our country’s history have demonstrated. Things like courage, endurance, ingenuity, and mateship.
On April 25
th, when footballers across all levels of the game lace up their boots and take the field, the foundation of their mindset is rooted in these qualities.
This year, all teams, in all divisions of the SFNL will play on ANZAC Day, with each club paying their respects. The Heatherton Tunners will face Black Rock at home, coming off the back of an incredible start to the season which has the club sitting atop the Division 3 ladder coming into the round.
Their form is far from what’s most important to the club this coming Saturday, evident in their adoption of custom designed threads to honour the day.
Club president Justin Reynolds spoke to the significance of the guernsey, stating that the design was inspired by the long-standing connection that the citizens of Heatherton have with those who have served.
The front of the guernsey, shows the silhouette of 11 brave soldiers, who could be any of the countless diggers, who risked, and lost their lives defending our country on the 25
th of April over a century ago.
The back of the jumper is an image of the Heatherton War Memorial, which stands beside the team’s home ground on Ross St.
It was erected by its citizens soon after World War Two as a tribute to those in the area who served in the conflict. It represents both those brave men and women, as well as the area’s unified respect for all who have dedicated their lives to protecting this country.
The memorial was originally positioned behind the old hall before being removed due to a renovation, leaving it abandoned at the back of the property. According to the club president, two long-serving club members, Harry Jones and Ken Dunstan, “took it upon themselves to restore and reinstate the memorial in its current location”.
The club’s longstanding connection to service extends beyond the past and into the present. A former, loved member of their playing group, Liam Brannighan is currently serving at the First Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment. Adding even more significance to the jumper, and the day it’s to be worn.
The jersey, in tandem with the entire round, demonstrates the importance of remembering what this day means to our local communities, and the football community.
“Anzac Day round often unifies a group in a way normal rounds don’t. The shared moment of silence, the Last Post, the jumper symbolism. Teams often play with more connection because they’ve already stood shoulder to shoulder in something meaningful before the first bounce” – Heatherton FNC President, Justin Reynolds
As we all barrack for our respective clubs this weekend, it’s important to remember those who fought for our collective team, here and abroad, throughout history and the weight of their sacrifice that carries after over one-hundred years.
Written by Alexander Scott
