ANZAC REFLECTION

Teenagers Alex Pearce and Ryan Davies are ready to soak up the experience of playing league for their respective clubs in today’s Anzac Day game, which officially opens the new Great Southern Football League season.

For the fifth time on Anzac Day, Railways and North Albany will meet in a special fixture, and for Davies and Pearce, it will be their first senior appearance on Anzac Day after both played colts on the same day last year.

The importance of one of the nation’s most important days is not lost on the young players. Both 17, the pair said they were proud to pull on their club’s jumper on such a significant occasion in front of what is expected to be a large crowd at Tigerland this afternoon.

Pearce was part of the Kangas league premiership success last season and was a regular part of their senior side, playing 13 games, but said he was humbled to be part of Anzac Day.

“Standing there being part of all the ceremonies will mean a lot to me,” Pearce said. “I’m really looking forward to the big occasion and hopefully we can play well.”

Davies will make his league debut for the Tigers in the season-opener and hopes not to get overawed by the occasion.

“I was keen to just get a (league) game this year,” Davies said.

“So it’s a big honour to be chosen on Anzac Day.

“To pay our respects, a minute’s silence and have a big crowd watching on is pretty special.”