Saturday’s game against North Melbourne at Domain Stadium marks the 22nd Len Hall Tribute Game.
The Len Hall Tribute Game is named in honour of Western Australia’s last Gallipoli veteran, Len Hall who was a member of the 10th Light Horse Regiment and one of the last men to leave Gallipoli.
The 2017 Len Hall Tribute Game will honour returned and fallen Australian and New Zealand Defence Force members and commemorates the 75th anniversary of a range of 1942 battles including but not limited to the Battle of Malaya, the Battle and Fall of Singapore, the Battle of Sunda Strait, the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Ruin Ridge, North Africa and the Battle of El Alamein, Egypt.
Bounce down for Saturday’s game is 5.40pm and fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 5.30pm to ensure they don’t miss the pre-game ceremony.
This year’s commemorations will take place in two parts, with an observance ceremony held prior to bounce down followed by a special half-time tribute.
The club appreciates the support of the AFL, which approved the changes that will allow more people to be involved in the commemoration and acknowledge the sacrifices made by all veterans.
At 5.30pm, 99-year-old veteran John ‘JJ’ Wade will recite the Ode before the Last Post is played, followed by a minute’s silence and the National Anthem.
Wade enlisted in the Australian Army on 1 August 1940 and was discharged with the rank of Corporal in October 1944 after serving in Libya, Egypt and New Guinea.
At half-time Wade will be joined by nine other veterans for a lap of honour around the boundary to allow the crowd to pay tribute to the Anzacs.
Local artist Matthew Russell will perform the song ‘100 Years,’ which he wrote especially for the game in honour of the war veterans.
Len Hall’s grandson Tracey and great granddaughter Danica will then light the Flame of Remembrance.
The Australian Army Museum will also have Army vehicles on display pre-match around the precinct of Domain Stadium at gates 8, 10, 19 and 26
Please note permission was granted by the Department of Veteran Affairs and the AFL for Auskick and Little League to continue on ground at half-time.
