Legacy was the winner as Brisbane Roar legends were matched against the Australian Defence Force and Queensland Police Service (QPS) in the ANZAC Day football game at Moreton Daily Stadium yesterday.
The game raised funds for the iconic Australia charity – Legacy – which is dedicated to supporting families of deceased and seriously injured veterans.
District Officer for Moreton Police District, Superintendent John Hallam said there were many ways to honour people who have served and those who continue to serve our country.
“I was thrilled to be there with our ADF colleagues for the friendly match with Brisbane Roar legends,” Superintendent Hallam said.
“Yesterdays game honoured the ANZAC spirit and helped our mates at Legacy provide a caring service through emotional, social and financial support to families of Australian veterans.”
Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services the Hon. Mark Ryan MP, who tossed the coin before play commenced, said Legacy had helped veterans’ families after the loss or injury of a loved one for nearly 100 years.
“The game will help raise vital funds to ensure the families of veterans do not suffer financially or socially after the death or injury of a loved one,” Minister Ryan said.
“Along with Australians everywhere, we gather to remember those who so bravely served to defend Australia.
“This football match is an example of strengthening relationships and I encourage you to use it as a time to think about those who have served and who continue to serve.”
Brisbane Roar Chief Executive Officer David Pourre said he was thankful for the sacrifices made by our service men and women.
“We are pleased to be supporting Legacy this season for our ANZAC Day match,” he said.
“Legacy is a great Australian charity and the work they undertake is crucial for former Australian Defence Force members and their families.”
Army coach Major Mark Strickland, who first met with Brisbane Roar about playing a legends match in February 2019, a month before COVID hit our shores, said the game was three years in the marking.
“Having the QPS involved and the day itself, made the three years very much worthwhile,” he said.
“I think it will live in the memory of most forever.”
Officer in Charge of Burpengary Station Senior Sergeant Michelle Dodds, started planning a match between the army and QPS which quickly morphed into something bigger when Brisbane Roar wanted to get involved and suggested we take on the Legends.
Senior Constable Dave Phillips from the Boondall Tactical Crime Squad was one of the officers who played in the match.
“Playing against these legends is a dream come true,” he said.
“These were the players I looked up to when I was younger, so to play against them in front of my kids is fantastic.”
The QPS took on the Legends for the first twenty minutes.
It was a tough battle but we were happy with our seven to two (losing) score line at the interchange.
The army were much more confident and increased our score by one and only conceded one goal to the Legends.
The final score was eight to three to the Legends.
It was a fun filled day and great to team up with our army friends.
Thank you to our ANZACs and current serving members of the ADF for your service.
Our Aussie spirit lives on through our sporting codes, something instilled in us as kids.
