Collingwood captain Darcy Moore’s touching Anzac Day speech receives huge response from crowd, supporters
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore has been heaped with praise after a touching post-match Anzac Day speech that prompted a huge response from the MCG crowd.
The Magpies had just battled out a nail-biting draw with Essendon in the club’s annual Anzac Day clash, with Bombers forward Kyle Langford agonisingly missing a shot on goal in the dying seconds that could have won the game.
Essendon captain Zach Merrett was awarded the Anzac Day Medal with an equal game-high 31 possessions, but it was his Magpies counterpart who stole the limelight after the match.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Stepping up to thank the crowd for their energy, Moore started by acknowledging the First Nations servicemen and women who had fought for Australia.
He then thanked Essendon for “sharing” the day with Collingwood, saying it was a privilege to play against them.
But then his speech took a more sombre tone when he highlighted what was one of the more important aspects of the day.
“Today is a great opportunity to raise money for the Anzac Appeal,” he said.
“Which, for those who don’t know, provides really important services for returned servicemen and women when they transition back into civilian life.
“Issues with homelessness, acute mental health, family support and social connections are all issues that returned servicemen and women have and the RSL provides amazing wrap-around support to these veterans when they return home.
WATCH THE FULL SPEECH IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE
“So by buying a pin or donating to a tin rattle today... you help to say thank you to veterans and provide those wrap-around services.
“Today’s a great opportunity to do that so thank you very much.”
Social media users following Collingwood’s X account were quick to applaud the premiership captain for his words.
“From someone who has a healthy dislike of Collingwood, I’m a hard agree that he’s a thoroughly decent young man. Gotta love him,” said one.
“Another great speech from our captain, incredible,” said another.
“Future CEO of AFL. Speaks better than most and hits the mark every time. No time or words wasted and the message gets through,” commended yet another.
