Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is urging Australians, and the AFL community in particular, to #StandTo this ANZAC Day.
The solemn tradition of remembering and paying respect to those men and women who have served, or are serving, our country will be different in 2020, as the nation deals with the COVID-19 epidemic.
The measures required to suppress the COVID-19 infection rate mean that there will be no marches, reunions or gatherings on April 25 this year. There will be no football played, the way in which Collingwood, Essendon and the wider Australian Football community customarily honours the nation’s service men and women.
Australians are nonetheless being encouraged to #StandTo, to express their recognition and respect in a different way.
“We must always remember, even in these difficult times” Buckley said.
“It will be different. We must remain at home but we can still pay our respects and acknowledge the debt we owe those who served on our behalf.
“I hope that people all over the country will at dawn on Saturday, April 25, step out on to their balconies or driveways or into their backyards, StandTo as the Last Post is played during the ANZAC Day dawn service and observe a minute of silence.”
Collingwood, Essendon and the AFL will also stand together during a special ANZAC Day service that will be broadcast from the MCG at 1pm on Saturday. All football fans are being encouraged to wear their club colours and observe a minute of silence in respect of our veterans.
Watch the live broadcast of the ode and Last Post via collingwoodfc.com.au and sharing their experiences on social media, all as part of support for the RSL's #StandTo social media initiative and the ANZAC Appeal.
ANZAC DAY MEMORIES YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS
In the build-up to Anzac Day, the Pies and Bombers will be joining forces to reminisce on some great Anzac Day memories.
On Wednesday morning, Pendles & Co will feature Magpies legend and dual Anzac Day medallist, Dane Swan.
In Wednesday's Anzac Day edition of club podcast Working Through It, Nathan Buckley will join on-field rival and Essendon premiership player James Hird, as well as Jobe Watson and Bombers CEO Xavier Campbell, to recount his favourite memories from the annual blockbuster game.
RELIVE MARK MCGOUGH WINNING THE 2002 ANZAC DAY MEDAL
In an industry-first between clubs, Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury will host Essendon captain Dyson Heppell for a live chat on Instagram on Friday afternoon.
Collingwood fans will also have the chance to vote for their favourite Anzac Day win to be broadcast on afl.com.au immediately after the ceremony concludes on Saturday.
