Tonight’s Len Hall tribute game against North Melbourne at Domain Stadium will hold special significance for Freo youngster, Lachie Weller.
Weller’s great-great-great uncle Alfred Gaby is one of less than 100 Australians to have been awarded the Victoria Cross.
Fighting at Villers-Bretonneux in August 1918, Lieutenant Gaby captured 50 men by bluffing them.
"He had no bullets in his pistol, but the guys he captured had guns on them, so it was a huge act of bravery," Weller said.
"He came up from lower ground and completely surprised them."
Three days later, again leading his men from the front under heavy rifle and machine gun fire, Gaby was killed at Lihons, he was only aged 26.
Weller said he is honoured to be about to play in the annual tribute match, a game rich in history and tradition for the Fremantle Dockers.
"It's a great occasion to go out there and play hard and show some respect for the guys who served for our country and the reason why we can do the things we love today," Weller said.
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 Len Hall Tribute and Veterans Parade.
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.
Veteran, John 'JJ' Wade will recite The Ode in the pre-game ceremony, an honour the 99-year-old isn't taking lightly.
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.
"I am looking forward to honouring those who have passed," Wade said.
"It's a day you remember the fellas that are no longer with us."
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.
