Bumper clashes headline Anzac Day 2022

April 25 – a day commemorated by a nation.

A day people from all areas come together to remember lives lost on the front line.

On the same day in 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers began the Gallipoli Peninsula expedition.

Records from the State Library of Victoria estimate 60,000 Australians fought at Gallipoli, with an estimated 26,000 casualties and 7,600 deaths. That number does not include following battles, or any since, and is widely regarded to be inaccurate.

Every year since 1916, a national day of remembrance takes place in Australia - namely Anzac Day.

For many years, various Australian sporting codes have had their own respective Anzac rounds and matches. Perhaps, one of the most famous is the annual AFL clash between the Collingwood Magpies and the Essendon Bombers. The Collingwood Football Club describes their ANZAC clash as a “blockbuster”, which is “one of Australia’s biggest national sporting events.”

Hockey’s commemorative matches are not quite on that scale, but they do have a large impact – especially for those who have veterans in their families.

Over the years there has been many match-ups in the annual Anzac Round, and as of recent we have had the events cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This weekend, clubs will line up for more than just three points.

Monday afternoon, Victoria Park men and WASPs men will play off at Perth Hockey Stadium in the annual Anzac Day Round.

Both sides will also have their women’s team play – in a round two clash.

A notable match up for the day is the Fremantle Cockburn versus Reds contest.

For many it is a special day, and a lot of players see it as their favourite game of the season.

Fremantle Cockburn’s Matt Bird is no exception to that.

Bird has been at the club most of his life and says it is an eagerly anticipated event from all sides.

“The opportunity to play on Anzac Day is awesome,” he says.

“The atmosphere, the rivalry and the intensity are always something you look forward to each season.”

Bird says the match-up is a crucial part of local sport, and plays an important part in the hearts of the entire Perth and Australian community.

“[The game] is important because it gives a place for the whole community to remember the people who sacrificed their lives for us to be able to play the sport we love,” he says.

Bird is confident his side can get the win, especially on such a special day.

“We are feeling great and really excited about the game,” he says.

“We match up well against Reds, and being the Anzac Day match, there is a lot to play for.”

Hockey fans and people in search of public holiday entertainment are encouraged to attend some wonderful matches from arguably the best club competition in the world.

After dawn service celebrations, people have plenty of time to have coffee, a nap or catch up with family before their local games get underway.

Anzac Day fixtures as follows:

Monday, April 25 2022

Women’s Premier League

Victoria Park vs WASPs

2:30pm

Perth Hockey Stadium

Also broadcast live to www.LiveHockey.com.au

Men’s Premier League

Fremantle Cockburn vs Reds

4:00pm

Lakelands Hockey and Sporting Facility

Men’s Premier League

Victoria Park vs WASPs

4:30pm

Perth Hockey Stadium

Also broadcast live to www.LiveHockey.com.au

For the full round of fixtures, please head to the Hockey WA website.

Live scores, results and statistics can be found here.