By Ash Brazill
When I was 16 I was traveling to New Zealand to play for Australia in the all school girls netball team, going to my year 10 formal and just being a kid. When my great grandad was 16, he was lying about his age. Heading to war. Eager to protect our country.
Two completely different worlds - mine blessed in comparison. How grateful I am to him and the other diggers who sacrificed more than they probably knew at the time.
To play in the inaugural ANZAC Day game in my last year of netball is truly special for my family, and an honour I’ll treasure forever.
In 2018 I had my first ever ANZAC Day AFL game experience as a spectator - Collingwood versus Essendon. My Collingwood netball teammates, and my wife Brooke and I were sitting in the MCG nosebleeds. So high the players looked like ants. Not a spare seat in the house.
I didn’t know what to expect. What I witnessed in the minute silence with the bugle in the background was something I’ll never forget.
To be amongst that many people, wearing two different colours, who in less than a minute will be fierce rivals. All silent together, respecting those who have given so much for our country. It’s just something you need to experience.
No words can do that moment justice.
I was lucky enough to know my grandad. He was beautiful, soft and kind to us great grandchildren. I wish I asked more questions, though, and more importantly, said thank you.
I look at photos he has left us, see how young he looks, a skinny 16-year-old holding a gun with a knife on the end of it. Photos with his arm around a mate in the bush smiling. Photos we will treasure forever.
Today will be the first time netball is played on ANZAC Day. Collingwood Magpies versus Sunshine Coast Lightning. I‘m honoured to play on such a significant day and can only hope my grandad would be proud.
We are not just playing for men and woman of World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War, but for all the service men and woman now protecting our country.
I am also playing for the women and families that were left behind, who were at home making the clothing and sending food to our diggers, who raised the children and prayed that their loved ones would return.
Thank you.
The ANZAC Appeal continues to support veterans and their families in their time of need. Show your support for the ANZACs by donating to the ANZAC Appeal.
