More Than a Game
A day of remembrance, reunion, and reflection at Davies Park.
Last Sunday, Souths Logan Magpies welcomed supporters, partners, players and members of RSL Queensland to Davies Park to be part of this year's ANZAC Round. Each year, ANZAC Round means more to us than just a game. As the players step onto the field, it becomes a moment of gathering, reflection and pause, to remember the men and women who have courageously served for the freedom of this country.
In recent years, the remembrance has extended to somewhere closer to home.
Corporal David Garratt · Soldier · Lawyer · Magpie
Dave served his country with distinction before going on to build a celebrated career in law, and was a deeply valued member of our club as a proud Souths Logan Magpies member. We lost Dave in December 2022. Each year, we honour his memory with a tribute on our jersey and this year, his face was shown on the front. His memory lives on in every stitch, and as the team stood together during the ceremony, Dave was there too.
The game kicked off at 2:15pm, but the day began well before that. Members of Holland Park and Mt Gravatt RSL Queensland Subbranch set the tone with a sausage sizzle and a raffle for a meat tray, the kind of community warmth that makes these days special.
As 2pm came around, both teams were led onto the field by Corporal Adam Walsh and Holland Park & Mt Gravatt RSL Queensland Subbranch President Michael Weibler. Alongside the veterans, Dave's son walked onto the, holding his very own ANZAC jersey a powerful moment shared by all in attendance. Corporal Adam Walsh then delivered the Ode, before Xavier from St Laurence's College played the Last Post. It was truly a moment to be a part of.
The atmosphere at Davies Park carried the weight of history and the warmth of community. It was, as it always is on this day, a privilege to be a part of.
Whilst the result didn't fall the way all Magpies had hoped, the boys fought hard and stood together until the final whistle. The scoreboard read 32–38 to the Sunshine Coast Falcons as the last seconds ran out but that was only part of the story.
Another ANZAC Round has come and gone, but the memory of the fallen remains.
Lest We Forget.
