Beersheba Hosts AFL Anzac Event

A curious, but highly entertained, crowd of several hundred witnessed the first ever international Aussie Rules football matches played on Israeli soil, on April 29 in Beersheba, for the inaugural AFL Israel Anzac tournament.

The event began in the afternoon with a tour of the Beersheba Anzac Memorial Centre for the four participating teams, and wreath laying at the Commonwealth War Cemetery.

Then, at a sunset pre-match ceremony, attended by special guests including Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau, and Australia’s ambassador to Israel Ralph King, the Last Post was played.

After the preliminary round, Israel Blue earned bronze by toppling Australia-Europe 80-35, and in a thrilling grand final, Australia-UAE edged Israel White 38-31.

Jewish Melburnians who played in the tournament – while on various Israel programs – included Saul Alford, Avi Segman, Ayden Maron, and Eitan Potash.

Potash – AJAX Footy Club’s Sunday Thirds men’s team 2022 Best & Fairest player – sported Israel Blue’s jersey, and received the William Cooper Medal for best player for Israel in the tournament.