Does football benefit from Anzac Day? Calls for Last Post to be REMOVED from AFL matches to avoid ‘bugle fatigue’

Some are calling for the iconic rendition of the Last Post to be removed from AFL matches because it has become a “gimmick” that is losing its value.

Old rivals Collingwood and Essendon have faced each other in the annual Anzac Day match at the MCG since 1995.

It was the brainchild of Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy, who had also served in the Australian Army during his years playing for Richmond.

The first match attracted 94,825 football fans, a figure which remains the second largest round-trip crowd in VFL/AFL history.

It’s a fixture that regularly sells out well in advance and is an iconic moment in the AFL calendar.

The Last Post bugle has become an iconic part of the commemoration of fallen soldiers before the AFL Anzac Day match.

Since 1995, the commemorations and running of The Last Post have extended to every AFL match played throughout the tour.

However, since 1995 the Anzac Day match has expanded to become an Anzac Round, with teams all paying tribute to fallen soldiers in rituals before each round match.

It has also expanded into the NRL, with the Sydney Roosters and St. George Illawarra Dragons playing in the Anzac Day Cup since 2002.

The New Zealand Warriors and Melbourne Storm have also played on Anzac Day since 2009, with the exception of 2015, when the Kiwis hosted the Gold Coast Titans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

Before each of these matches in the AFL and NRL, the Last Post bugle is played to honor fallen soldiers.

Which led radio host Greg ‘Marto’ Martin of Brisbane’s Triple M Breakfast with Marto, Margaux and Dan to call for The Last Post to be removed from all AFL matches except the annual match between Essendon and Collingwood.

“Football has now become (the Last Post) a gimmick,” he said.

Traditional Anzac Day clash between Magpies and Bombers regularly sells out

Anzac Day match expanded to include live music and party atmosphere at the MCG

The NRL also extended its Anzac Day commemorations tour-wide with The Last Post played before each match.

“In 1995 when Kevin Sheedy, the Essendon coach, said, ‘Let’s have an Anzac Day clash at the MCG,’ I think it was the most… tingling down the spine for about three minutes .” Marto continued.

“97,000 people at the MCG… not a single person screamed while this was being played and the honor they give to all soldiers serving and returning is quite extraordinary.”

“But now what happened, as football always does, and I’m not just talking about the AFL, I’m talking about rugby league, they took a wonderful thing and they said: ” Oh it’s good… “

Margaux said: “How to capitalize!”

Marto said: “So what’s going to happen this week in the eight AFL games and in the eight rugby league games… each of them will be playing this (The Last Post) and you will get the ANZAC – you will.” I am tired of the bugle.

“We have to stop him somewhere.”

Margaux said: “It becomes saturated, so it loses its value.”

“They all think they’re doing the right thing, but all they do is make a mockery of it.”

New AFL and NRL franchises have also adopted Anzac Day commemorations.

The AFL has confirmed all nine Round Seven matches will hold special Anzac celebration ceremonies before each match.

Anzac Appeal badges will be available to purchase at selected matches to allow fans to show their support for the RSL’s Anzac Appeal and those who have served.

“Anzac Day is one of our country’s most important national occasions, so I encourage all supporters attending matches throughout the round to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and formalities of ‘pre-match which will undoubtedly be another moving tribute to the sacrifices of our country’s service men and women past and present,’ said Peta Webster, Chief Commercial Officer of the AFL.