Even after an eventful 102 years, Arthur Leggett feels Saturday night’s Len Hall Game will be one of the highlights of his life when he recites the ode before bounce down at Optus Stadium.
The clash against North Melbourne will mark the 25th anniversary of the Len Hall Game, with Fremantle continuing a long tradition of acknowledging the Anzacs going back to the club’s first year in the competition in 1995 – the same year as the first Collingwood and Essendon Anzac Day game.
One of WA’s last surviving World War Two veterans, Leggett spent four years as a prisoner of war in Germany and had to work on a coal mine in North Poland.
He said he was incredibly proud to recite the ode in front of Fremantle’s members and supporters.
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“It will be one of the highlights of my rather long existence because I will be reciting the ode with the knowledge of so many men who have gone before me,” Leggett told Seven News.
“It just happens that I’ve lived a fairly long life and I realise what the ode means to the nation when it’s said at ceremonies.
“It makes you feel rather proud that the memory is still so prominent when you get 50,000 people standing up for the ode.”
Despite the hardships he experienced, Leggett said he also had fond memories from his time of service.
“I met some of the nicest people in my life who are Germans while I was a PoW, but the four years is a long time to be in the hands of the enemy,” Leggett said.
“You have your ups and your downs, but you build up a camaraderie and you depend on each other to keep going and we seen it through.”
Senior coach Justin Longmuir had the honour of meeting Leggett at a rehearsal at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
He said that Leggett was a reminder of the importance of the occasion.
“Arthur is still going strong. I can only imagine what he’s been through,” Longmuir said.
“The Len Hall Game is a special night and I still remember it from when I used to play in these games.
“It’s a great opportunity for us as a footy club to acknowledge past and present people who have served our country. We take it very seriously.
“When you listen to the last post, your spine does tingle and it’s something that I’m really looking forward to.
“I think the best respect we can show is going as hard as we can on Saturday night at the football.”
