This Friday, the Brisbane Lions will have the rare opportunity to play a game of football on one of Australia’s most sacred days.

ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that commemorates all those who served and died for their country in wars and conflicts.

Kevin Sheedy inspired the AFL to introduce an annual ANZAC Day fixture back in 1995, featuring his former side Essendon and fierce rivals Collingwood, and the match has since become one of the most highly anticipated on the football calendar.

More recently, multiple matches have been played on ANZAC Day, with St Kilda pioneering an annual home match in New Zealand and Fremantle hosting matches at Patersons Stadium.

In 2014, the Brisbane Lions were granted the opportunity to face the Saints in the annual fixture in Wellington.

A number of Lions fans in both Queensland and Victoria will head overseas for the occasion – many of whom have scheduled extended holidays in New Zealand to correspond with the fixture.

The match itself, to be played at 7:45pm (local time) on Friday, will be one of three games to appear in succession on ANZAC Day.

Although the traditional clash between Essendon and Collingwood remains the biggest drawcard, Lions Captain Jed Adcock said his team were thrilled with the opportunity to headline the game in Wellington.

“You look at the (Essendon v Collingwood game) every year, and that’s one game you’d love to be part of,” Adcock said.

“It’s good to be part of ANZAC Day in a different way. To be able to do it over (in New Zealand) is nice. It’s a good day to be part of.”

Dayne Zorko echoed his Captain’s sentiments, adding that the Lions were determined to lift for the occasion.

“Blockbuster games are what every kid dreams of playing in, and we’ve got the opportunity this weekend,” Zorko said.

“The build-up has been fantastic. A few of the guys caught up with the 7th Brigade yesterday and we got an ANZAC speech today. It all adds to the occasion. The boys definitely want to win for this day.”

Head of Coaching and Development Peter Schwab also recognised the importance of the match.

“I think it’s a great historical day for this country and we’ll duly recognise it,” Schwab said.

“It’s nice for this football club to be involved on this day to broaden the amount of games is pretty special.

“If you’ve ever been to the MCG for a Collingwood and Essendon, it’s quite a magnificent game of football.”

POST MATCH VENUE IN NEW ZEALAND

Dockside Queens Wharf Restaurant and Bar is the official Brisbane Lions post-match venue for any Brisbane Lions fans heading over to Wellington.

Join other Lions supporters for a post-match debrief.  You might even spot some of the players!

Visit www.docksidenz.com for more information.