What does ANZAC Round mean to players?

In each game of the Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 ANZAC Round, one player from each clash will be awarded the NBL1 ANZAC Round Medal. 

Decided upon by the Coaches and Referees, this will be presented to the player that best epitomises the ANZAC Spirit of ENDURANCE, COURAGE and MATESHIP in each game. 

Related: 2024 NBL1 ANZAC Round Medal winners

Multiple players from last season spoke with NBL1 Media during the pre-season on what the honour and the round in general means to them. Check out their responses below: 

Mitch McCarron (Eltham Wildcats)

"It is special to remember and recognise the sacrifices that people have made for our country and our freedoms to this day," he said.

"It's cool that we get to recognise that through basketball, the thing that we love and, and the thing that brings people together.

Sam Whealen (Eltham Wildcats)

Eltham's senior program always makes it down to the Dawn service on Anzac Day. I was lucky enough to lay a wreath there last year," he said.

It's a really special day and to be able to play on that day, which we're doing this year, is gonna be really special for us." 

Justin Beard (Rockingham Flames) 

"Playing in ANZAC Round is really kind of about getting around your brothers, getting around your teammates and picking up each other when they're down," he said. 

Georgia Denehey (Perth Redbacks) 

"ANZAC Round means a lot to me because I think it's a good opportunity to play outside of yourself and remember why we're all here and who's helped us to be able to play on this platform," she said.

"So yeah, definitely a chance to play hard and remember why you play."

Joe Cook-Green (Perth Redbacks) 

"Playing in ANZAC Round is big, big part for me. I've got family that were in the military back in the day, and yeah, obviously grateful for their sacrifice," he said. 

Lachlan Bertram (Manadurah Magic) 

"It means a lot to be able to represent and play for something that's a little bit bigger than just the NBL1," he said.

"To play for the people that put their lives on the line for Australia.  It's quite special."

Luke Phillips (Perry Lakes Hawks) 

"ANZAC Round is huge. I've played in them when I was in Adelaide, played them here and really enjoyed the competition," he said.

"The fact that we're able to pay our respects to the people that have come before and fought for the country and everything like that is huge. And then it's an opportunity for us to compete. So I really love it." 

Olivia White (Sutherland Sharks) 

I'm very fortunate enough to have won two back to back, so a little bit of pressure," she joked.

"In terms of what it means to me, it's a great opportunity to recognise our ANZAC'S and the sacrifices that they've given us. Having family who have served in the armed forces as well, it just means a lot and it's really special that we get to take part in such a sacred milestone in Australian history." 

Matt Leary (Perry Lakes Hawks) 

"I think it symbolises a lot that what people have sacrificed in order for us to play the game that we love," he said.

"It's obviously going back a long time before we were around, but I think those sacrifices now help us to live how we do and we're very thankful for it."

Mason Bragg (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles) 

"It was really special for me to win the ANZAC medal last year," he said. 

Playing for your country and representing your comrades who went out to war and fought for the country. It's something I feel grateful to win."

Jessie-May Hall (Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai) 

"Winning the Anzac medal was a big honour for me and it meant a lot, winning it for Hornsby and myself," she said.

Billy Parson (Maitland Mustangs) 

"To win it on a day that celebrates the bravery of the men and women who volunteered their lives, past present and future is a big and accomplishment you can have," he said.