Collingwood captain Darcy Moore has delivered yet another pitch perfect post-match speech after his side drew with Essendon in an Anzac Day AFL classic.
Stepping into the enormous shoes of former Pies skipper Scott Pendlebury at the end of 2022 might have been an impossible standard to live up to for most — but Moore has carved out his own powerful standing within the game as a consummate role model during his short time as the leader.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Darcy Moore delivers incredible post-match speech after Anzac Day thriller.
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After knocking his maiden Anzac Day captain’s speech out of the park last year, the much-admired skipper hit all the right notes once again on Thursday evening when he used the opportunity at the mic to shine a light on the true significance of the day.
“Firstly, I want to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land that we played on here today, the Wurundjeri people, and also extend that respect to First Nations servicemen and women who have served our country over this nation’s history,” Moore said.
“I just want to say that today is a great opportunity to raise money for the Anzac Appeal which, for those that don’t know, provides really important services for returned servicemen and women when they transition back into civilian life.
“Issues with homelessness, acute mental health, family supports and social connections are all issues that returned servicemen and women have, and the RSL provide amazing wraparound support for these veterans when they return home.
“So, by buying a pin or donating to a tin rattle today — again, as you walk out, there will be an opportunity — you help to say thank you to veterans and provide those wraparound services. Today is a great opportunity to do that, so thank you very much.”
The 93,644-strong crowd stood in unison as Moore once again put his commendable leadership credentials on show for all to see.
He was given his due appreciation by the packed crowd at the MCG, as he was by an endless number of fans on social media, many of whom were clearly supporters of rival clubs, but can’t help but celebrate the Collingwood captain.
“Darcy Moore absolutely nailing another post game speech. The bloke’s a brilliant advertisement for the AFL,” one said.
“Darcy Moore speaks sensitively to social causes without being condescending or woke and also spent all game floating across half back doing what he wants. He’s perfect and I hate him,” another added.
“I dislike Collingwood so deeply but Darcy Moore is one of a kind. What a guy. Class act,” someone else said.
AFL reporter Nat Edwards said Moore is the perfect role model for kids.
“Darcy Moore again with a cracking speech. My 4-year-old daughter absolutely loves him — could not ask for a better footy role model for the next generation,” she wrote.
And her sentiments were echoed by a host of others.
“Darcy Moore is such an impressive person. Speaks so well and takes his time to show respect after playing a tough game.”
“Does Darcy Moore ever not do all time elite speeches?”
“Darcy Moore is a beautiful human and I’m so glad he’s here. He’s so good for footy.”
Both the Pies and the Bombers had chances to win the game in the final minute but neither took them.
Speaking in the rooms after the game, Moore said his club was lucky to escape without a loss.
“We were really under the pump there, particularly in the first part of the last quarter,” he told Channel 7.
“I felt like every passage of the game that Essendon could get on top at centre bounce, they just made it really hard for us to get our game going — so, the first 10 minutes of the last quarter was that.
“We just knew it was coming and had to try and stand up, and just that last mongrel ball landed in Kyle Langford’s lap.
“It’s always that one where you’re not quite there and they get it in games like that.
“But epic game of footy — it felt like a really special one.”
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