Richmond’s traditional Anzac Day Eve guernsey, which features the golden wattle sash, will return in Friday night’s clash with Melbourne at the MCG. 

Richmond has retained the design of its Anzac Day Eve guernsey since it was introduced in 2022. The profound story behind the guernsey, and the desire to build tradition around an evening of such significance, will see the Club continue to wear this guernsey into the future.  

The golden wattle is central to the guernsey’s message, not only as a symbol of unity and remembrance, but also as a meaningful part of Australia’s cultural identity. 

Deeply rooted in Indigenous history and national significance, the wattle reinforces the spirit of resilience that defines Anzac Day and those it commemorates.

During the First World War, it became a tradition amongst Australians to press a wattle into their letters and post it to travelling soldiers, as a reminder of home. 

The flower is a symbol of Australia’s national floral emblem and is one species of a large genus of flora growing across the country. 

Wattle is ideally suited to withstand Australia’s droughts, winds, and bushfires, which highlights the resiliency of the wattle and represents the resilience and spirit of the Australian people. 

Soldiers would wear the wattle in their hats as it became a testament to the enduring Australian spirit. 

In recent times, the golden wattle has been used as a symbol of remembrance and reflection. On national days of mourning, Australians are invited to wear a sprig of wattle.

The wattle also has a deep and meaningful history and connection with Australia’s First Nations people. 

First Nations people of Australia soaked the gum of the golden wattle in water and honey to produce a sweet, toffee-like substance, and the tannin from the bark was known for its antiseptic properties.

The acacias were used for several purposes by First Nations people before British colonisation. The wood, pollen and sap from wattle trees was transformed into food, medicine, weapons, tools, musical instruments, glues, dyes, perfumes and ceremonial decoration. 

Blooming in spring, the golden flowers also signified seasonal events, such as whales arriving on the coast or eels appearing in rivers.

In a further link between wattle and the suburb of Richmond, on September 1st, 1914, around a month after Australia entered the First World War, 'Wattle Day' was held at Richmond Park, in Richmond, where some 50 wattle trees were planted.

The occasion was captured on the front page of the newspaper, with Dame Nellie Melba, the famous singer who lived in Richmond, planting the first wattle tree. Also present at this event was a lady named Ethel Swinburne, who with her husband George, co-founded Swinburne University.

On the front of the guernsey is the “Ode for the Fallen” poem, a tribute to the sacrifice and patriotism of the fallen soldiers of World War I.  

A list of Richmond players and officials who died at war is represented on the back of the jumper. 

Friday night will mark the 11th Anzac Day Eve clash between the Tigers and Demons, with Melbourne winning seven of the games and Richmond three.

Since 2021, the best player on the field has been awarded the Frank 'Checker' Hughes Medal, in honour of the former Richmond premiership player and coach who served in the 57th battalion of the Imperial Force during World War I.

The Tigers and Demons meet at the MCG on Friday night at 7:40pm AEST.