Isn't the Anzac Day AFL match disrespectful?

I think the traditional ANZAC game is done in such a way that it is not seen as being disrespectful. Our diggers are honoured. There is an ANZAC ceremony held on the oval prior to the game. There is a minutes silence. Tha last post is played. Wreaths are laid. The day is not treated like some drunken pub crawl. Yes, people have a drink or two - just like the would should they be at one of the more traditional services.

And I don't think that, as a whole, ANZAC day should be a solemn day. Yes, we should remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can live the life we live today. But we are also honouring those who did return to their families and friends. And that is something to be celebrated. We are also honouring those who are deployed currently overseas.

I think a bunch of people getting together enjoying the freedom to do so is exactly what the ANZAC fought for. And we should never take what we have for granted, and our lifestyle should be celebrated!

It's a Game Played to Honor the ANZAC'S!

A Lot of Aussie Rules Footballers from All States Became ANZAC'S, and A Lot of Those Men Made The Ultimate Sacrifice!!!

That is Why This Traditional Game Continues!!!

It is special because it honours the ANZACS, The rivalry between collingwood and essendon would still be there even if it wasnt on anzac day. So dont say that Anzac day is an excuse for money or its disrespectful. If you havent noticed, before the match the players, umpires and crowd are silent for a minute and the traditional trumpet is played, to honour our heroes. This is an anzac tradition, and it is great that the AFL has adopted this - not to ignore it, but to play a game in style whilst honouring our greats.

The ANZACS fought so that we could be here today, and be free. And playing Aussie rules football is apart of being a free nation. This is what the anzacs fought for.

Future Eagles Mummy, & Cossy, Both gave accurate answers! You should listen to them both,but there Is More to it. The ANZAC day game between Collingwood & Essendon Does "HONOUR" to the ANZACS in a very important way. Those 2 footy teams are carrying on an old ANZAC Tradition! (You will notice it's always them 2,not just any 2 teams. There IS a Reason!) Many of the Diggers themselves loved Footy even though they were off fighting a war. As in any group,there were a variety of teams supported. (most were Collingwood & Essendon). There were also the football Players themselves who were among the ranks of the Diggers! During the war years, Footy continued to be played, but there were only a few teams. All the othere were fighting the war. > > > The ANZAC's liked to Play footy too(& some were Players!), so, in those quiet & boring times when the Diggers had only waiting to do, they would relieve thir boredom in a very Aussie way! They would play games of Football! (& those Diggers not playing were the barrackers!) Not content to play teams of 'Shirts & Skins', the Diggers just Had to have real names for their footy teams, just like back at home. Out of All the Football supporters & Players that were there,"over there", the ONLY 2 teams that Could 'feild a full team',, were COLLINGWOOD, & ESSENDON.!! Every footy game the Diggers played was between Collingwood & Essendon! So who won? I don't know. I'm sure that the families of some of the ANZAC's have it on record somewhere. One thing that IS recorded, is that every game between these 2 became a real battle! On the footy feild they became bitter enemies, but all in fun! > > So, on ANZAC Day when Collingwood faces off against Essendon, Please spare a thought for the ANZAC's who started the whole tradition, & spare a thought too, for the 2 clubs who even now carry the tradition on,, 'In Their Memory'. That's why it just HAS to be those 2 teams every year! (It would even be an Insult to the Diggers to change that to 2 other teams,) It is a very solemn occaision, & it is a game of footy with more intensity, more meaning than even the Grand Final!! > > "Typical of Aussies!", "Only in Melbourne," We Aussies really are a weird mob!

Yes, it was an outstanding match. For Essendon to fight their way back with 4 minutes left was amazing. and Patty Ryder! What a great day he had. Taking over David Hille from ruck, 13 tackles, a goal, the ANZAC Medal. Shame that Hille was injured though. But it seems that Ryder found his rightful position. Good on him, and the Dons!

I think Anzac Day Morning is sacred and people should pay their respects. E.g. Dawn Service, minute silence, etc.

However, the afternoon is a time for "celebrating" the freedom that the service men and women sacrificed so much for.

What better way to celebrate our freedom and our country by watching the best game in the world!

I agree with "5 Stars". Pay your respects on the morning of Anzac Day and cherish the freedom that we have today due to courage of the Anzacs and all who have fought for Aussie freedom. The afternoon is to celebrate our freedom. Go Cats on Sunday.

Those dudes fought and died so we could enjoy the things we do. One of the things we enjoy is going to the footy. We also enjoy going to the park with our families and having barbeques and a few drinks too. Should we stop doing that as well because we're not in a "solemn" mood while we're doing it? Just coz we're enjoying ourselves doesn't mean we don't appreciate the sacrifices made by our forefathers.

If you want to be miserable that's up to you. But don't bring everyone else down.

I am still in two minds about it but I am sure the soldiers that fought wouldn't mind but I certainly think that giving out a medal to a footballer on that day is very disrspectful.

no it is not

the diggers and other servicemen from all wars did play australian rules football (those from aussie rules states)

i think the pies and dons do a great thing on anzac day

well done to them