anzac day medal

Anzac Day Medal 2025: Honouring the Best on Ground in the AFL's Hallowed Tradition

The Anzac Day match is more than just another game of Australian Rules Football; it's a deeply significant event that honours the spirit of Anzac – courage, sacrifice, and mateship. The annual clash between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG is a highly anticipated fixture, and a central part of the day is the awarding of the Anzac Day Medal to the player judged best on ground. In 2025, the tradition continued with another thrilling contest and a deserving recipient of the coveted medal.

Collingwood Claims Anzac Day Honours in 2025 Thriller

In the 2025 Anzac Day match, Collingwood emerged victorious over Essendon. The game, as always, was a hard-fought contest, played with passion and intensity befitting the occasion. The final score reflected Collingwood's dominance, but the match was filled with memorable moments and individual brilliance.

Jamie Elliott's Electric Performance Secures Anzac Day Medal

Collingwood's Jamie Elliott was the star of the show, bagging five goals in a performance that earned him the 2025 Anzac Day Medal. Elliott's electric display was a key factor in the Magpies' victory, showcasing his skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. His goals were timely and crucial, lifting his team and igniting the Collingwood faithful. The Age highlighted Elliott's contribution, noting his five-goal haul as central to the Pies' Anzac Day triumph.

Recent Updates: The 2025 Anzac Day Medal Timeline

• April 25, 2025: Collingwood defeats Essendon in the annual Anzac Day match.
• April 25, 2025: Jamie Elliott of Collingwood is awarded the Anzac Day Medal for best on ground.
• Post-Match Analysis: Discussions and debates ensue regarding the voting process and the merits of the winner.

The Anzac Day Medal: A Symbol of Respect and Sporting Excellence

The Anzac Day Medal, first awarded in 2000, is more than just a sporting accolade. It represents the values associated with the Anzac spirit and recognises the player who best embodies those qualities on the field. The medal is a tangible link between the game of Australian Rules Football and the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women.

The Anzac Day match itself has become a significant event on the Australian sporting calendar. It provides an opportunity for the community to come together, remember those who have served, and enjoy a game of football played in the right spirit. Rosemary, the traditional symbol of remembrance, is often worn by spectators and players alike, adding to the solemnity and significance of the occasion. The community of Nowra, like many others across Australia, united to honour Anzac Day, with rosemary pinned to lapels and medals worn with pride.

Who Decides the Winner? The Anzac Day Medal Voting Panel

The selection of the Anzac Day Medal winner is a considered process, involving a panel of experts who assess the players' performances based on a range of criteria. In 2025, the five-person voting panel included club greats from both Collingwood and Essendon. Nathan Buckley, Collingwood legend and former senior coach, represented Fox Footy on the panel, bringing his expertise and understanding of the game to the decision-making process.

Sidebottom Chasing History: A Legacy of Anzac Day Medallists

The win brings Sidebottom within one Anzac Medal win of record holders Collingwood star Scott Pendlebury and Essendon's James Hird who have three to their name. A Collingwood player has now won the Anzac Day medal eight times in the past 11 matches. This highlights the strong performances Collingwood players have consistently delivered on this important day.

The Broader Context: Medals as Symbols of Commemoration in Australia

Medals hold a special place in Australian culture, particularly as symbols of commemoration. They are awarded to servicemen and women for their military service and bravery, and are often worn with pride on special days like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. Wearing medals is a way of honouring veterans and remembering those who have served. The RSL (Returned & Services League) provides guidance on the correct protocols for wearing medals, ensuring they are displayed with respect and in accordance with tradition.

Immediate Effects: Community and Sporting Impact

The Anzac Day match and the awarding of the Anzac Day Medal have a significant impact on the community. The game brings people together, fostering a sense of national pride and unity. It also provides a platform for remembering and honouring those who have served in the armed forces.

From a sporting perspective, the Anzac Day Medal is a prestigious individual award that recognises excellence on the field. Winning the medal is a career highlight for any player, and it adds to the legacy of the Anzac Day match.

Future Outlook: Continuing the Tradition

The Anzac Day match and the awarding of the Anzac Day Medal are traditions that are likely to continue for many years to come. The game holds a special place in the hearts of Australians, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations.

As the game evolves, it is important to maintain the integrity and spirit of the Anzac Day match. This includes ensuring that the game is played with respect and sportsmanship, and that the Anzac Day Medal is awarded to a player who truly embodies the values of the Anzac spirit.

While the primary focus remains on the AFL clash between Collingwood and Essendon, other sporting codes also participate in Anzac Day commemorations. For example, in the NRL, the Roosters and Dragons traditionally face off, with standout performances recognized. In 2025, Sandon Smith starred as the Roosters defeated the Dragons, showcasing the widespread recognition of Anzac Day across different sports.

Wearing Medals on Anzac Day: A Guide

For those who have earned medals themselves, or are wearing them in memory of a loved one, it's important to understand the correct protocols. Generally, if you have earned the medals, they should be worn on the left side of your chest. This applies to all medals authorized for wear by the Governor-General's Office. This guide ensures that medals are worn with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Conclusion: Honouring the Spirit of Anzac

The Anzac Day Medal is a fitting tribute to the Anzac spirit, recognising not only sporting excellence but also the values of courage, sacrifice, and mateship. Jamie Elliott's performance in the 2025 Anzac Day match exemplified these qualities, making him a deserving recipient of the medal. As Australians continue to commemorate Anzac Day, the tradition of the Anzac Day match and the awarding of the Anzac Day Medal will continue to play a vital role in honouring the legacy of those who have served.