Again inspired by Laurence Binyon’s poem, For the Fallen, Richmond will wear a special commemorative jumper for its traditional Anzac Eve clash against Melbourne at the MCG.
As it did in 2019, the guernsey features Morse code of Binyon's poems third and fourth stanza.
The Morse code that spells out the tale, replicates the architecture of the walls of the Education Centre courtyard at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
A written version of the poem is also featured on the front of the jumper, along with the 2021 Anzac Appeal logo and a Gold Back-to-Back AFL Premiers badge.
Designed by PUMA, Richmond’s on-field apparel partner, the back of the guernsey includes an enlarged Lest We Forget section, paying tribute to fallen Richmond players who died serving our country, or had their death attributed to war service.
Added to the list from the last Anzac commemorative jumper is 1925 Richmond player Norm Le Brun, with his links to the Club and war only recently discovered by Richmond Football Club historian, Rhett Bartlett.
Le Brun featured in the Tigers’ reserves team that season before going on to play with South Melbourne, Essendon, Collingwood, and Carlton during his football career.
Born in Richmond in 1908, he was killed by a sniper in Aitape, New Guinea, on November 15, 1944, at the age of 36.
Le Brun and the other fallen players will be honoured on the jumper along with their age and when they passed away.
Richmond and Melbourne’s Anzac Eve match is now a seven-year tradition. The clash features a moving pre-game ceremony to celebrate our past and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force.
Tiger fans are encouraged to arrive early on Saturday night, with proceedings commencing from 6.45pm.
For the Fallen – Laurence Binyon (third and fourth stanza)
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
