More than most, Brad Scott knows the value of the day in honouring the sacrifices those before us made in fighting for their country.
PRESS PLAY above to watch the Brad Scott ANZAC Day feature | YouTube
Scott’s father Colin was an Army pilot during the Vietnam War of the highest quality.
“He won a Distinguished Flying Cross, which is very, very rare. He was the first ever Army pilot to win that award,” he said in a Channel 7 feature on the night.
A Distinguished Flying Cross is defined as ‘an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy’.
Unfortunately for Scott and his family, Colin’s life was tragically cut short soon after his return from Vietnam.
“He had a severe asthma attack while at work. He tried to drive himself to hospital and never made it,” he explained.
“He was never the same after returning from Vietnam as I understand, and unfortunately we lost our Dad when Chris and I were only eight.”
As ANZAC Day has featured a heavier dose of football over recent times, there has been criticism about diluting the message of the day.
However, the North Melbourne coach believes the AFL helps to spread the message.
“When we can use AFL football as a vehicle to demonstrate to the wider community what this day is about, it’s a fantastic thing.
“To me what ANZAC Day stands for is people who fight for their country and also fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.”
Scott was asked what would go through his mind during the minute's silence before the game.
“It’s time for giving thanks for the enormous sacrifices that all the soldiers who fought for our country have made,” he said.
“We (footballers) don’t sacrifice anything. We choose to take part in this great game, players don’t sacrifice anything. They make an investment in their future.
“The people who made sacrifices are the people who gave their life for the country.”
