The Gold Coast SUNS are proud to unveil the club’s 2026 ANZAC Appeal Round Guernsey.
The SUNS are set to don the commemorative fit against Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday 25th April, in what marks the club’s first match on ANZAC Day since 2015.
A field of red poppies lines the base of this year’s design as a lasting tribute to those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The ANZAC Appeal emblem sits to the left of the chest, opposite a sprig of rosemary symbolising the wild rosemary that grows abundantly along the Gallipoli peninsula.
‘Lest We Forget’ is highlighted across the back of the guernsey, reinforcing the collective commitment to remember our veterans and honouring the spirit of courage, sacrifice and mateship that defines troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. That same spirit that shaped, and continues to inspire, our nations 111 years later.
StreetSmarts SUNS Academy Operations and Communications Coordinator Sally Carter, who has served for more than a decade as a Military Officer in the Australian Army, continues to play her role in ensuring the ANZAC Spirit lives on through her work alongside over 1000 young and aspiring footballers in the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy.
Ahead of the Gold Coast’s first ANZAC Day clash in 11 years, Carter shared what the ANZAC Appeal Round means to her.
“ANZAC Day for me is a chance to share stories and get a joint understanding of what it’s like being in the military, the sacrifice military people make and just acknowledging that,” Carter said.
“I think that’s really important and I love that the Gold Coast SUNS and the AFL community continue to honour and commemorate ANZAC Day.
“I had a really great relationship with sport and had the opportunity to play it whilst in the military, which are some of my favourite memories.
“ANZAC Day is a great opportunity for serving and ex-serving military members to catch up and reflect, reminisce over old stories and remember mates. If you can do that while watching a sporting match - why not, it’s very Australian.”
Gold Coast will once again unite alongside RSL Queensland to honour and recognise the service and sacrifice of all Australian and New Zealand Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, past and present.
RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM encouraged Queenslanders this year to embrace the ANZAC spirit – the spirit that has helped shaped who we are as Australians.
“Each ANZAC Day, we honour not just what was, but what still is: the spirit that shaped us as Australians – the spirit that lives with us, and in us, evermore,” Day commented.
“Every person who takes part in ANZAC Day helps to carry the ANZAC spirit forward. Whether you join a Dawn Service, pause at home in quiet reflection, or share stories with family and friends, every action – big or small – honours those who’ve served and shows us that the ANZAC spirit lives here.
“We’re incredibly proud to see the Gold Coast SUNS once again embrace the ANZAC spirit by donning a special guernsey for the ANZAC Appeal Round.
“This guernsey is symbolic of the sacrifices made by current and ex-serving Defence members, and we’re honoured that the SUNS are once again eager to show their support for the veteran community.”
All SUNS player worn guernseys from Round 7 will be auctioned, with a percentage of profits to be donated to The Anzac Appeal which funds critical services for veterans and their families, including advocacy, mental health support, financial assistance, social connection, and more.
Plan your ANZAC Day at anzacspirit.com.au.
