The Gold Coast SUNS has unveiled its 2023 ANZAC guernsey to be worn in the match against North Melbourne in Round 6.
The SUNS once again join forces with RSL Queensland for this year’s ANZAC Round which will honour the contributions of 1.5 million service personnel who have served our country in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The front of the guernsey features poppies – as a symbol of commemoration to honour those who have fallen, over a rising sun which signifies the dawn service synonymous with ANZAC Day.
A sprig of rosemary, which grows wildly on the Gallipoli peninsula, is prominent on the left shoulder as another symbol of remembrance.
The words “Lest we Forget” are also displayed on the back of the guernsey.
GC SUNS leader Nick Holman said the playing group would wear the ANZAC guernsey with pride on Sunday.
“ANZAC Day is a day for remembering and taking a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation and to acknowledge those who have served our country,” Holman said.
“It’s an absolute honour to play in the ANZAC Round and when we do the pre-game service, I get a sense of how lucky I am to do what I do.
“Mateship and courage are traits that I personally admire and like to carry into my game, you can never compare but there is a resemblance with the ANZAC spirit and some of the traits I try to embody when I pull on the SUNS jumper.”
RSL Australia’s 2023 ANZAC Day campaign – That’s the ANZAC spirit – encourages everyday Australians to embody the ANZAC spirit and appreciate the extraordinary things that can be achieved when drawn upon.
RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM encouraged Queenslanders to attend an ANZAC Day service and the Round 6 ANZAC Match at Heritage Bank Stadium.
“ANZAC Day is always a significant day in the calendar for our country and we urge all Australians to honour the contribution of our service personnel by participating in ANZAC Day commemorations on April 25,” Major General Day said.
“We are really proud to partner with the Gold Coast SUNS and to help the club deliver its own ANZAC round match on Sunday which will include an on-field ANZAC ceremony pre-game.
“The characteristics of the ANZAC spirit - courage, ingenuity, endurance, humour and mateship - live on in all Australians and we look forward to seeing those traits shine through for the SUNS on Sunday.”
The ANZAC Round match between Gold Coast and North Melbourne will take place at Heritage Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with first bounce at 4:40pm. Tickets start at just $11 for juniors, $30 for adults, and $50 to bring the whole family.
For the first time, the 2023 ANZAC guernsey will be publicly available for purchase exclusively from the SUNS Shop online and on game day. Click here to purchase.
An auction of the match-worn guernseys will also be held post-match, with 100% of the profits donated to the 2023 ANZAC Appeal.