A MEDAL struck in honour of a Horsham First World War soldier will be presented to the best player in Saturday night's Wimmera Football League Anzac Day clash.
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Horsham Demons and Horsham Saints will once again play in the traditional Anzac Day fixture, but it will be the first time in the game's history a player will receive an Anzac Day medal.
Sergeant Bertram Perry was one of the first from Horsham to volunteer for the war and was there on the first day in Gallipoli.
He was awarded the Military Medal in 1917 and recommended for another for his bravery in bringing back a wounded soldier and bombing an enemy's communication trench.
His actions were described in his recommendation as a fine example for his men.
He performed with "coolness and dash" and his "conspicuous good work" was "most gallant".
While Anzac Day sporting events are special occasions across the country, both Saints and Demons coaches believe they are lucky to be playing the sport they love.
"We don't really play footy for a medal, we play it more for the mateship. That's one thing they did back in the day.''
- Demons co-coach Brad Hartigan
Horsham Saints coach Shayne Breuer said the medal would not serve as an extra incentive for his team.
Instead, he said the match was about honouring the Anzacs.
"We're just lucky to be able to play on such a special day and pay our respects to what they've done," he said.
"We're just lucky enough to play on this national day - one of great significance - and pay our respects and do something we love, which is a game of footy.
"It's about what they've done to give us the chance to run out there and play the game.''
Demons co-coach Brad Hartigan said playing for a medal was secondary.
He said his team would play in the spirit of the Anzacs.
"We don't really play footy for a medal, we play it more for the mateship. That's one thing they did back in the day,'' he said.
"They were comrades and that's what you play footy for, rather than the single accolades."
The match also serves as the grand final rematch from 2014.
Both the Saints and Demons are coming off round one wins.