04/01/1999
Football clubs around Australia will give a toss for Anzac Day when the National Rugby League and Australian Football League open their matches over the April 25 weekend using a special commemorative coin honouring the original Anzacs.
THE LAST ANZACS coin, officially launched this week by Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Scott and the Minister for Financial Services and Regulation, Joe Hockey, has been produced for 1999 by the Royal Australian Mint as part of its series of commemorative coins.
Mr Scott said New South Wales RSL President, Rusty Priest, will begin proceedings on Friday by tossing the silver $1 coin at the Anzac Rugby League Test between Australia and New Zealand at Stadium Australia.
"The Last Anzacs coin has been minted in tribute to the men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose campaign at Gallipoli became a legend" Mr Scott said.
"It is fitting that the coin should feature in the Test which bears the Anzac name to help remind rugby league fans of the debt of gratitude owed to our veterans."
As part of the Federal Government's commemorative program, Their Service - Our Heritage, The Last Anzacs coin will also be tossed at the beginning of all AFL Round 5 and NRL Round 8 premiership matches over the weekend.
"The coin's design is simple but elegant, showing a WWI Anzac in his slouch hat and the uniform of the time - young, courageous and proud" Mr Hockey said.
The silver coin which will feature in the toss at each match has been meticulously designed and sculptured to a proof finish, showing a mirror-like background contrasted by a raised frosted design.
Mr Scott said using The Last Anzacs coin to open the AFL and NRL matches would bring an extra touch of the Anzac spirit to the occasion.
"As in years past, many people will attend the Anzac Day march, one of our great Australian traditions, and in the afternoon head off to another great Australian institution, the footy, and support their club" Mr Scott said.
"With the help of the NRL and the AFL, we hope to encourage the crowds at the matches and television viewers to take a moment over the weekend to remember those who have served their country and given their all."
