World Footy News

Collingwood and Essendon captains Nick Maxwell and Jobe Watson are among the 88 AFL footballers playing on Anzac Day who have signed personal and heartfelt messages of support on their guernseys for the more than three thousand Australian Defence Force personnel serving on 13 overseas operations and in support of Australia’s Border Protection.

The gesture is part of the Anzac Day Message to the Troops service, which is hoping to generate an unprecedented 10,000 messages of support for Australian troops. Victoria Cross recipient and Young Australian of the Year, Trooper Mark Donaldson VC said that troops overseas will receive a real boost after reading messages of support from Aussies back home.

“AFL football has become a great Anzac Day tradition and the Message to the Troops campaign is an ideal platform for AFL fans to show their respect and pay tribute to the many service men and women who are currently serving overseas.

“Messages can be sent via SMS to 044SUPPORT (0447 877 678) or posted online at http://www.telstra.com/anzacday right up until 11pm on Anzac Day.”

AFL CEO, Andrew Demetriou said the AFL is proud of its Anzac Day traditions and encouraged all fans to take a moment to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to send a personal message of support to troops currently serving overseas.

“What a fantastic way for our clubs, our players and all our fans to show the troops that we’re thinking of them on this special day of remembrance.”

Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell described what a privilege it was to play footy on Anzac Day on his guernsey,” To the troops, our hearts and thoughts will be with you on Anzac Day.”

Essendon’s Dustin Fletcher, who will break the record for the most number of Anzac Day games played, wrote on his guernsey, “To all the guys, keep safe everyone, it’s indeed an honour to play for you on Anzac Day.”

Telstra CEO David Thodey said he was proud that, for the second year, Telstra’s innovative networks would again help link Australians with troops around the world.

“I’m proud that Telstra has the technology and skill to enable Australians to honour the men and women who are courageously serving our country far from home, often in extremely dangerous circumstances,” Mr Thodey said.

The Telstra Message to the Troops service is a partnership between the Australian Navy, Army & Air-Force, the AFL and Telstra and will remain open until 11pm EST on Sunday 25 April, where fans can send a message via SMS to 044 SUPPORT (0447 877 678) or by posting messages online at http://www.telstra.com/anzacday.

This Anzac Day three AFL matches will be played around the country. The traditional blockbuster between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG, the Len Hall Tribute Game at Subiaco featuring Fremantle and Richmond, while Tasmania will host its first Anzac Day game with Hawthorn playing North Melbourne at Aurora Stadium.


Images in this article are from the ADF ANZAC Day 2010 Image Gallery - http://www.defence.gov.au/anzacday/20.../index.htm