My ANZAC rant !!

[Armoooo]

The last two posts have been great.

Really put things into perspective...

IMO I don't understand how people could try and defend not playing footy on Good Friday yet we can play it on Anzac Day.

Personally I would want footy to be played on both, but I just can't get my head around the hypocrisy.

[jay young]

All the other 14 clubs supporters (whos teams miss out) should boycott it dont watch it on telly and the week leading up to it rally outside of AFL headquarters and make it hostile for all the employees going to work , rock up to collingwoods training sessions and give them a scare , try and get seats on the footy show and when they read out the teams do not stop booing until the security toss you out . Just a few hints . People power could do more about it . I dont watch it but when i did it made me sick to see Maguire Joffa Buckley and Malthouse standing proud . Let struggling clubs play it . It wasnt just magpie and essendon players who went to war.

[saintbrat]

All the other 14 clubs supporters (whos teams miss out) should boycott it dont watch it on telly and the week leading up to it rally outside of AFL headquarters and make it hostile for all the employees going to work , rock up to collingwoods training sessions and give them a scare , try and get seats on the footy show and when they read out the teams do not stop booing until the security toss you out . Just a few hints . People power could do more about it . I dont watch it but when i did it made me sick to see Maguire Joffa Buckley and Malthouse standing proud . Let struggling clubs play it . It wasnt just magpie and essendon players who went to war.

dare anyone on here to put there hand up and say they went- and You will find many DID- it's now an EVENT-- but how about letting someone else be part ---the saints had 21 young men killed in wars including their former captain at the time- how many did Essendon or the Pies?

ps: check out the new honour board at the Club listing Saints who died in those wars.

[ozrulestrace]

I tend to have a whole different perspective about this whole Anzac day match and I find it difficult to put into words.

I've taken little interest in the match this year, because the whole thing has been turned around to be less about what happened in the wars and the soldiers who fought and gave their lives for this country and more about what Collingwood and Essendon have "given" to the game and themselves.

Quite frankly I don't give a toss about what Collingwood and Essendon give to the game other than in terms of dollars and maybe they should show the true sense of mateship and spread the dollars with the other clubs who have been denied any kind of participation through the creation of the monopoly.

I am angered by the rising sun Anzac badge on the jumper-when did they serve for this country? It's worn by those prepared to go out and fight in the various conflicts over the last one hundred years and not football players.

As for Mick Matlhouse saying his players "let the Anzacs down" it's too too much to think he can raise yet another excuse on the back of the Anzacs.

The Anzacs worked for each other because they were a long way from home, living in theatres of war that could only be described as hell holes, fighting for their survival and they knew it was only from each other that theycould survive and more importantly for those who did return home, it was important to support each other and the families of those who did not come home, hence the RSL and Legacy .

So I hope one day the commercialism of the day will disappear and we get back to the real reasons the Anzac spirit evolved.

[saintjake]

i am for the way it is
the pies and bombers have made this game what it is.
they ALWAYS
have a great contest
no matter how they are placed on the ladder
they get the seats full
and its what ANZAC day is
get over it and watch the footy
i doubt if we did it
we wouldnt get 80-90000 people there
leave it alone

[happy feet]

Have a read of Kevin Sheedy's book. The ANZAC day blockbuster was dreamed up as a marketing ploy to promote the game. Nothing to do with tradition and pleanty to do with $$$$$.

The other Clubs shouls take on the AFL examining their options under the Trade Practices Act.

[Enrico_Misso]

Why do Collingwood play on Anzac day when they are one of four teams who did not disband during the whole of the Great War where the Anzac legend was born?


In 1916 Collingwood were in the competition while six other teams did not field teams while their brave young were men in the trenches.


Collingwood bravely won the premiership in 1917.

This is a really good point Saints43.
I have posted on this before.
There was a request made to all sporting groups to voluntarily suspend competition during the War (WW1) as a mark of respect for the sacrifice out young soldiers were making.
Four clubs chose to remain in the VFL competition - Collingwood, Carlton, Fitzroy and Richmond.
(Though in fairness with depleted "resources" it wasn't practical for most clubs to compete, and the four that did played a diverse group of players).

None the less it is still somewhat of an indictment that one of the clubs that defied the request to suspend activitiesin 1916 as a mark of respect to the soldiers,
is now clamouring on the back of the dead ANZACs to associate themselves with their sacrifice
whilst actually just trying to line their pockets.

[JEANLUCPICARD]

Pies and bombers deserve it because they have gigantic supporter bases.

If stkilda were in it, the crowds would be tiny we have no supporters. It would really ruin the whole atmosphere with a poxy 50-60,000 crowd.

[SideshowMilne]

anzac day - making it bigger.
Essendon and Collingwood fans look away now.

2 games, 2 medals

both games, pub rules winner stays on .


Day game
mcg, victorian teams only.
Night game
interstate venue & clubs, host is previous winner

If they whinge and whine too much and a concession has to be made to essendon and collingwood, then make it that one always plays, and also play each other as per the alphabetical rotation. ie if essendon host geelong next year and bombers go down, then its geelong collingwood 2010.

This would be massive and all inclusive.

[Ghost Like]

I tend to have a whole different perspective about this whole Anzac day match and I find it difficult to put into words.

I've taken little interest in the match this year, because the whole thing has been turned around to be less about what happened in the wars and the soldiers who fought and gave their lives for this country and more about what Collingwood and Essendon have "given" to the game and themselves.

Quite frankly I don't give a toss about what Collingwood and Essendon give to the game other than in terms of dollars and maybe they should show the true sense of mateship and spread the dollars with the other clubs who have been denied any kind of participation through the creation of the monopoly.

I am angered by the rising sun Anzac badge on the jumper-when did they serve for this country? It's worn by those prepared to go out and fight in the various conflicts over the last one hundred years and not football players.

As for Mick Matlhouse saying his players "let the Anzacs down" it's too too much to think he can raise yet another excuse on the back of the Anzacs.

The Anzacs worked for each other because they were a long way from home, living in theatres of war that could only be described as hell holes, fighting for their survival and they knew it was only from each other that theycould survive and more importantly for those who did return home, it was important to support each other and the families of those who did not come home, hence the RSL and Legacy .

So I hope one day the commercialism of the day will disappear and we get back to the real reasons the Anzac spirit evolved.

Well said ort, you worded it perfectly.

[Armoooo]

anzac day - making it bigger.
Essendon and Collingwood fans look away now.

2 games, 2 medals

both games, pub rules winner stays on .


Day game
mcg, victorian teams only.
Night game
interstate venue & clubs, host is previous winner

If they whinge and whine too much and a concession has to be made to essendon and collingwood, then make it that one always plays, and also play each other as per the alphabetical rotation. ie if essendon host geelong next year and bombers go down, then its geelong collingwood 2010.

This would be massive and all inclusive.

There would be no rivlary, therefore no sense of event.

If it is Melbourne's turn and they play Bulldogs it will not be a sell out, therefore it will be a pointless exercise...

[BigMart]

A game of footy has absoutely ZERO to do with ANZAC day......and if anyone thinks it is representitive of what the day stands for is a dead set MORON......

ANZACS went to war......Footy is a game.....FFS

Mick Malthouse's carry on in the presser was ridiculous and embarrassing.....

I seriously think those two clubs believe they are the most important entities in the AFL - if not the world......I do not watch the game because they are involved.....two substandard teams.....big deal

it is a marketing bonanza for the AFL......thats all

[aussierules0k]

[bozza1980]

Funny thing about footy on the ANZAC Day round - the last post still gets played the day before or after the event. Sickens me really - its a sacred day (my dad served in Vietnam at Vung Tao

So the only day you can honour the ANZACS is Anzac day??

I too see Anzac Day as a solemn day, my father has also been involved in active service, most recently returning from Afghanistan this month.

However I disagree that the solemnity of the day is somehow taken away by recognising the great, selfless and heroic deeds of our service men and women on the days that fall either side of Anzac Day.

[SainterK]

There is another thread on the opposition forum, with some similar sentiments. I myself don't like the comparisons made between footy and war, especially Micks comments and carry on.

Doesn't anyone else find it strangely familiar, that once again Mick (king of spin) has managed to deter everyone from talking about the fact that Collingwood had a truly deplorable loss.

[Con Gorozidis]

I must say from the outset that I respect the ANZAC tradition and what it stands for (outside football). I am firmly of the belief that this game should be shared around between ALL Clubs on a rotating basis

The ANZAC day game (that some call a tradition) between Collingwood & Essendon each year is the result of a group of commercial whores who sold their souls to the highest bidder. Those involved at the time included Allan McAllister (Coll Pres), Kevin Sheedy, Bruce Ruxton (RSL Pres) and the entire executive of the AFL.

This game now Netts BOTH Clubs in excess of $1Mill each & every year, with other clubs only being thrown a morsel when ANZAC Day falls on the weekend

Collingwood & Essendon are the ONLY clubs permitted to use the ANZAC logo on their jumpers. All of these jumpers are later sold off to the highest bidder.

Collingwood & Essendon players are the only players in the AFL who can win the ANZAC Medal. We play for the Peter Babco Medal. This guy was a worthy recipient of the VC but the only reason his name is attached to that medal is because he was a South Australian. Perhaps the Medal in his honour should be played for on ANZAC Day between Adelaide & Port Adelaide

It is my belief that the AFL, and in particular Dimitriou refuse to change this because they have taken the "Commercial Whore" philosophy to a new level. Remember, his $1.6Mill salary package is incentive based and this game guarantees a large chunk of his bonus. I believe that this is an event and that there are many combinations of clubs who would attract a 90,000+ crowd on ANZAC Day

Until the AFL adopts the ANZAC spirit/philosophy of a fair go for all, mediocrity in the form of Collingwood & Essendon will be rewarded by "Commercial Whores".


.....................End of Rant !!

i agree. hear sheedy on tv last night try to deflect it with some crap? hes such a knob. and hes wrong on this.

[Ghost Like]

Great posts To the top and ozrulestrace.

My take:
Since we invaded 2 countries that had not fired a single shot of anger in our direction, I made a decision to sit down during our national anthem, 'till common sense prevailed and our boys came home.
Invading other countries is NOT the Australian way.
...
War is not the answer to anything - except war profits for the orchestra tors and I wont stand for it (during the anthem).

I appreciate your thoughts ARO and alot of them would make for a very interesting discussion in a pub or any other forum but as far as I'm concerned to sit down or not be upstanding for our National anthem on ANZAC day of all days makes me sick to be honest.

It shows nothing but utter disrespect for every soldier who has lost his life or served in any field of battle for his country. In fact it sh1ts in their faces and on their memory.

I can understand your anger and belief in the futility of war. I also respect a persons right for a peaceful protest against anything they don't agree with but there is a time and place and this was not the time nor the place.

[ace]

[quote="aussierules0k"]Great posts To the top and ozrulestrace.

My take:
Since we invaded 2 countries that had not fired a single shot of anger in our direction, I made a decision to sit down during our national anthem, 'till common sense prevailed and our boys came home.
Invading other countries is NOT the Australian way.

The media this week was excited our troops had killed 100 taliban. These are humans, each one has a mother. How many are kids just going along with their dad or uncle? To late to ask. This blood is on the hands of all Australians and the chances are we'll suffer some kind of blow back some time in the future. Imagine the out cry and endless media "specials" if (touch wood this doesn't occur) Australia had lost 100. It would stop the nation, we'd all be shattered and rightly so.

How is 1 life worth less than another? How does that work?
It doesn't, and deep down we all see the hypocrisy.

We could discuss the well intentioned reasons for invading but Howard showed some guts when he told us it's all about securing oil. Personally I wouldn't want to be part of any ones death or suffering for any reason. Especially not so I can drive my car!

It's interesting to note that Peace Activists are usually portrayed as pests by the media. Think about it. Those wanting peace are a problem, those wrapping themselves in flags and giving the nod to war are good people.
Are people aware GE owns CNBC???

War is not the answer to anything - except war profits for the orchestra tors and I wont stand for it (during the anthem).[/quote]



Every Australian soldier who has ever gone to war or into harms way went there because the democratically elected representatives of the Australian people decided they should.

You don't have to agree with the government's reasons or their decisions, but you do have to respect the right of the people to elect their government and the right of that government to make decisions on behalf of the people.

If you do not, then you are a filthy traitor who can go rot in hell.

Our soldiers go through hell because our representatives tell them to and our soldiers deserve our respect for doing so.

[aussierules0k]

[saint66au]

Nice response to what was explained as a peaceful and personal protest.

Anyway, I wasn't talking about sitting during the Anzac Day Last Post , I was talking about during the anthem in general - at finals etc.

I don't think I've been to an Anzac Game.

Keep ya shirts on.

Honest question AOK..and I say this respecting your right to your protest although I disgree with it..what is the reaction from the people around you when you fail to stand. Does it change when you explain your stance?

To me not standing because you disagree with a Government policy is a touch petty. Surely standing for the National Anthem means more than some sort of implicit agreement with the incumbent Govt's defence policy? I'm very proud of being Australian and I lovee the country I live in..thats why I stand. Do all Liberal voters refuse to stand cos they reckon Kevin07 is buggering up the country?

I respect your right to do it however . God forbid we become a police state where we have Govt spies in the crowd forcing people to their feet when the anthem is played. Far better I guess to make your mark this way than hurling bottles of urine at police or trashing Govt buildings.

[Thinline]

Those who have ventured to other forums on this site will probably be aware opf my views on this topic.

The AFL and the clubs involved are cultivating money from blood.

The message, if it ever existed in the context of a 'commemorative blockbuster', has been long lost.

No games should be played on ANZAC day at all.

The crass, thoughtless and plain dumb comments of Malthouse, Clarkson and Knights (to paraphrase - 'sport is war') were the final nails in the coffin as far as I'm concerned.

As a side issue, can anyone answer me this: how much of their gate receipts do the clubs concerned donate to RSL and other relevant institutions? Same goes for AFL windfalls? I have not seen any figures gloated about, so I suspect very little money goes where it should. Can anyone clarify?

[saintbrat]

"don't know what the fuss" parphrased when asked about Mick's comments ( eddie quote):shock:

Eddie's explained it's all because the serving officers overseas want to see the game and have requested copies--- PLEASE

----- I'm guessing serving Saints officers want a copy of our demolition of the Power more than they want that other game...

[howlinwolf]

Today I heard Eddie reply to the question of what that thing was he brought to each ANZAC Day match.
He said it was a piece of a Messerscmidt that was sent to Collingwood as a good luck omen in 1917.
He then went on to say and coincidentally enough we won the flag that year.

He forgot to mention that they opted to not pull out of the competition that year.

I too find it offensive that they are now riding on the ANZAC's back for the "good of the game"

He really is pathetic the way he veils a Collingwood advantage as good for the game. Just like his umpires whinges. That's meant so everyone starts having fun again in the game and not for Collingwood's advantage. Yeah right Eddie.

Graham Cornes originally suggested the idea that ANZAC Day should be between the previous year's Grand finalists.
I agree with this. Always a big crowd and every club has the opportunity.

[aussierules0k]

[Mr X from the West]

Seriously!

imo ANZAC Day is the most important day of the year in terms of acknowledging sacrifices made by our predecessors. An AFL game is irrelevant - regardless who plays.

If Eastern, as you say it was about commercial whores who got the day, then why didnt OUR board try harder to get the day as ours? (God knows you love a conspiracy theory but rarely get it right anyway!)

It's more about mateship and realising what all returned service personnel did - seriously who cares who plays - we should be thankful we can still play it - as opposed to not being able to play on a Good Friday when it offends Christians (what an crock!)

Funny thing about footy on the ANZAC Day round - the last post still gets played the day before or after the event. Sickens me really - its a sacred day (my dad served in Vietnam at Vung Tao and I am glad he came home - so is Mum - it's their 39th wedding anniverary today)

I don't give a stuff who plays - Collingwood and Essendon - good luck to them. Personally I'd rather see none of the boys ever win an ANZAC Day medal - Rather see 22 of the boys wearing PREMIERSHIP medallions!

Whether you like it or not, our calendar is based on the Christian calendar. That's why we celebrate Christmas Day and Easter. If you want a Muslim calendar, go and live in Iraq.