Everyone
is watching.
Over 90,000 people stand dead silent.
You feel the energy of the
guy next to you, your arms across each others shoulders.
Some stand still.
Others kick out their feet or go up and down on their toes.
The bugle plays
that familiar tune. Then the Australian anthem starts.
As the camera flies down
the lines of players, the second last line is sung.
Then 90,000 people erupt,
drowning out the last line.
The hair on the back of your neck stands to attention and
your whole body tingles as you and your teammates sprint off to your end of the
ground.
It's a special moment, one that will be experienced by 44 players on Wednesday.
Then the game starts.
Other
than in the 2010 Preliminary final, it's the loudest a crowd gets in my
experience.
Trying to communicate with a teammate more than 20 metres away is
near impossible.
The roar when someone kicks a great goal, takes a big grab or
lays an inspiring tackle is deafening.
And whatever happens, there are always
ANZAC Day stories.
McGough as a 17 year old, Zaharakis' match winning goal, or simply, James Hird, who made the day his own.
Legends are born.
And
every year the debate reigns - everyone should get to experience the day -
every player, coach and supporter.
I understand completely. My angle on the
debate is this.
In 1995, when the Collingwood and Essendon ANZAC day tradition
began, the game itself wasn't what it is today.
Both clubs have worked very hard
to make it huge, and the envy of the other clubs and supporters.
I hope it piece.
remains that way, but as I said, completely understand why everyone wants a
For
both clubs now, there's a day of recovery left, then, it's GAME ON. I cannot wait.
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