It’s the game that transcends footy.

And for Jack Ross, the 2026 Anzac Day Eve match with Melbourne is one that he is sure never to forget.

Ross has been appointed captain for the game, becoming Richmond's 114th captain in history, including acting captains, since 1885.

The 25-year-old is bestowed the honour for the first time in his career, after being elevated to the senior leadership group in the pre-season. It will also be Ross' 100th AFL game, a major milestone after making his debut in 2019.

However, the game and occasion also holds a deep connection and legacy for Ross and his family.

His late great-grandfather, William Whitley Carter, was a digger in 1915, standing in the war zone of Gallipoli, who experienced the horrors of war first-hand.

Only a teenager, Carter had written back to his parents describing how an order halting the kamikaze charges arrived moments before a whistle signalled that it was his turn to climb over the trenches and storm into battle.

Today, Tigers' head coach Adem Yze read out Carter’s letter to the playing group, offering a perspective of how fortunate the Club is to be a part of such a monumental game.

“I think the main message from the letters that he wrote back, it was just about the horrors of war,” Ross told Richmond Media.

“Writing back to his parents saying how much he misses home. Some of the things he's seen as a young man, and gone through at war, is obviously pretty devastating.

“It gives insight to what it was all like, and proves to be in this position, living the life that we do now, because of people like my great-grandfather that fought for the country, and that was kind of the main message from it.”

Amid the devastation, fortune favoured Carter, enabling his escape from Gallipoli during a planned evacuation to France, where he would go on to face further combat.  

When Carter returned from the war, he was told that he would not see past 30 years old due to the trauma from shrapnel injuries, but he went on to live until he was 94.

Ross spoke about how special his connection to his great-grandfather is to him, and why the Anzac Day Eve match against Melbourne is one he looks forward to every year. 

“It's probably the biggest game on the calendar for us, along with (Dreamtime at the 'G), so the boys are really looking forward to it,” Ross said.

“It's one that I definitely circle on the calendar each year, just because it does mean a little bit more to me.

“Just reflecting and being able to put that jumper on and know there's a bit more meaning behind it for me, and I'm sure there's lots of other people that can draw more meaning to it as well.

“I'm just really proud and privileged to be a part of a game that means a lot to me and my family.”

Reflecting on his seven seasons at Tigerland, Ross said it was an honour and a dream come true to be able to captain the Club.

“I was sitting there in the captain's run meeting, and I had no idea that I was going to lead the boys out, and that was a shock to me,” Ross said.

“When I was little, I always idolised a lot of the team's captains, and having so many great captains that I've played under and seen and had before me as well, it's very humbling.

“But I was so proud of it, and it's probably one that I've dreamt of doing for a long, long time, and to be doing it in a milestone game, especially this game as well.

“A lot of emotions initially kind of hit me, and now I'm just looking forward to the opportunity that's presented itself for not only me, but the footy Club as well, and where we're at."