Every year on April 25 we feel extremely privileged to run out against the Warriors in a game that honours ANZAC men and women.
The pre-game blackout ceremony is a moving tribute which sets the tone for the contest to follow, while our Trans-Tasman rivalry has produced blockbuster games of rugby league ever since the inaugural ANZAC Day clash in 2009 ended in a draw.
Although the Last Post will not echo around a silent AAMI Park this weekend, we will all honour the sacrifice of Australia and New Zealand's fallen heroes at home.
We asked Storm fans to reflect on their favourite ANZAC Day memories:
"The eruption of fans after the beautiful minute of silence in the darkness of a lights out AAMI stadium, followed by one of the most amazing performances from Aboriginal and Maori tribes to show mutual respect for our veterans."
Sam Climpson
"The Foxx’s solo effort in 2018. It brought every Storm fan and member to their feet and contributed to what was a comprehensive display, winning 50-10." Daniel Watson Hayes
"I love the fact that we embrace both cultures in true Anzac spirit. We have representatives from both NZ and Australia out there. I sing both anthems as I'm a Kiwi and proud of my heritage but Australia is the country that's given me opportunities to work and live here. It's a packed stadium and there is nothing like it - Melbourne Storm make this the best day of the year with how they put it all together." Shahmayne Prime
"The ANZAC Day game means a lot to me and every year I bring a photo of my grandfather who fought in Turkey and later helped rebuild Darwin after it was bombed. I take his photo and his medals and I sit them on the concrete barrier for the game. In 2018 I was living in Singapore and couldn’t fly back like I had the year prior, I was devastated. The tears started flowing and the heart filled with love when a very special friend, Andrew McFarlane, and his family took a copy of my Pa’s photo, framed it and took him to the game for me. I tear up writing this now. ANZAC day is about mateship and Storm gave me more than a team, it gave me more than mates, it gave me an entire family."
Sam Humphrey
"It wasn't my favourite moment, but I will never forget the pouring rain during the very first game and seeing Anthony Quinn being severely injured and taken off the field at Olympic Park in an ambulance. It was a game I will never forget... and it was a draw!" Chris Felafel
"Following the salary cap drama when we played the Warriors at Etihad. Cameron Smith scoots from dummy half, catches the markers napping and crashes over sending the purple army into a frenzy. Raw emotion that still gives me goosebumps today!" Mohamed Ali Bazzi
"As a kiwi this game is what I look forward to the most! Watching my beloved Storm and the Warriors standing, arms locked as their respective anthems are sung followed by the Last Post as the stadium is darkened... spine tingling and emotional."
Milton Utiera
"The Blackout is my favourite part. The last post, the Aboriginal & Maori people, the Military, the players projected onto the roof. Gives me chills down my spine every year." Charlene Munky Booker
"I loved the 2018 game where we gave the warriors a touch up, but my moment would be standing on the field holding the banner up on such an important day in our history." Jacob Hall
