Lest We Forget...

Today in Australia and New Zealand it is ANZAC day, a day dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli during WW1.

In Melbourne it is also the day of one of the biggest AFL clashes of the year - Collingwood vs Essendon.

As an Essendon supporter this is always a fantastic day - I went last year (running off 2 hours sleep after returning from my 21st with the family in New Zealand) and the atmosphere is just amazing. Seriously, the combined spirit of the AFL and the ANZACS is too much! There is a minute's silence to remember the ANZACS just before the game starts, and to stand with 100,000 other people in a deadly silent stadium is eerie and magical, and the absolute roar of support when a minute's up is so exciting!! Then the game is under way.

Maire and I at the MCG in 2010 (It rained). Note: Try to avoid attending this match with a Collinwood supporter if it looks like Collingwood is going to win.

Last year Collingwood absolutely dominated which was disappointing, but they have been on fire for the last couple of years. (To add insult to injury a seagull shat on my head moments after the game concluded)  However Essendon has been doing very well this year so hopefully this game will be close.

 I am choosing to watch indoors today, as to avoid seagulls/rain/Collingwood supporters. That, and I couldn't get tickets.

Anyway game is starting in a matter of minutes, so I am off to give the TV my full attention. GO THE BOMBERS!!!