A MOVING dusk ceremony at the Australian War Memorial has inspired the nation’s best country footballers to give everything for their team mates over the next few days following a unique launch of the Landmark Australian Country Football Carnival in Canberra.
Commencing today (Thursday, July 22), the carnival will see the seven teams from Victoria (Vic Major and Vic Districts), NSW, ACT, WA, SA and QLD compete to take out the national title and according to Australian Country Football Council President, Glenn Scott, the Australian War Memorial was the perfect place to mark the occasion.
“Being such an iconic and prominent venue in Australia - with so much history, pride and source of mateship - we felt the players would have an amazing experience at the Australian War Memorial,” said Mr Scott.
“Prior to the official launch the teams were treated to a special guided tour of the memorial in which volunteers made reference to some of the Aussie Rules footballers who’ve lost their lives fighting for this country,” said Mr Scott.
A special ceremony was held at the Pond of Remembrance – an extremely moving occasion that included a reading of the Ode of Remembrance by ACT captain, James Kavanagh, and a performance of the last post. The teams and officials were welcomed to the nation’s capital by the Federal Minister for Canberra, Annette Alice MHR, and the Chairman of AFL Canberra, Gerard Rees.
“The whole experience was quite solemn and really unique for these players who’ve travelled from country areas across Australia,” said Mr Scott.
“I think it aroused a great deal of feeling amongst them and reminded them of the sacrifices people make in their lives.
“You can’t come here and not be overwhelmed by a sense of pride and realise the role mateship has played in our history. It something we hope they’ll take away from here and use during their games at the carnival over the next few days,” said Mr Scott.
Captain of the Victoria Major League Team, Joe McLaren said the ceremony was a moving experience for the players and officials.
“You cannot help but be deeply moved by this place – the sacrifice, mateship and endeavour makes your mind boggle,” said Mr McLaren.
“Many of the lads have family connections to the battles remembered here and you could tell it meant something extra for them. No doubt this afternoon will be at the forefront of many of the players’ minds as they go out to play tomorrow,” said Mr McLaren.
Teams kick off their campaign for national glory tomorrow and, thanks to a break in the weather, Australian Country Football Council President, Glenn Scott expects quality games to be played.
“It looks as though we’re going to be blessed with perfect football weather – something we were worried about a week ago – and with spectacular days forecast for the next four days we’re excited about the standard of football that’s going to be played,” said Mr Scott.
The Landmark Australian Country Football Carnival begins on Thursday, July 22 and continues until Sunday, July 25.
