Stage set for Anzac Day clash

Football on Anzac Day always takes on extra significance, and today, North Hobart will host Lauderdale in the second consecutive Anzac Day TSL match at North Hobart Oval.

The Demons and Bombers – both chasing a win to stay in touch with the competition’s top four – will play for the Anzac Memorial Trophy, which lists the names of 14 footballers from the three TFL clubs in 1914-1918, North Hobart, Lefroy and Cananore who never returned from serving in the First World War.

The player who best displays the Anzac spirit – Courage, Teamwork, Sacrifice and Mateship – will also win the Anzac Remembrance Medal.

TPI Tasmania President Graham Halton will toss the coin pre-game and present the trophy and medal at the end of the match and is proud to be involved.

”It’s a very special day. We hope to make this game an annual observance and hopefully we can draw a nice, big crowd.

“Some of our veterans did play football before being called up for national service, so it’s important for them and also for the current players, many who have strong family connections to wartime service.”

North Hobart coach Clinton French says he has worked with his group to highlight the significance of the day.

“We are really excited about another opportunity to play on a very important day for a lot of Australians.”

”I like to have examples for our players of what they [Australian servicemen and women] did for us so they can have an understanding of how important the day is.”

Lauderdale coach Dan Willing says his club is honoured to be taking part in such a day.

“It’s a privilege to play on Anzac Day. We spoke about it on Thursday, how much of an honour it is as a footy club to be able to represent ourselves on such a special day.”

The first bounce will take place at 3pm, with an Anzac Day Observance getting underway at about 2:40pm.

The match will also be broadcast live via the Daly Potato Co live stream.