With bloodshed in Ukraine and posturing in the Pacific, there is a sharpened focus on Anzac Day commemorations this year, according to Gerroa war veteran Glenn Kolomeitz.
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As a mad Dragons fan, Kolomeitz has long been thrilled by sport's ability to connect to younger generations, now more than a century after the battle of Gallopoli in World War I.
The morning march followed by cheering your team on at the ground on television has become tradition for thousands.
But the Russian invasion and tensions around China's support for the Solomon Islands - raising the prospect of a new military presence in the region - has placed new relevance to the role of Australian servicemen and women, Kolomeitz believes.
"It's not just about medals and marches, old men and ceremonies," he said.
"It's an important part of remembering those who served, but the younger generation are seeing the impact of war in front of them now.
"There's a bigger picture globally. The Australian Defence Force want to increase numbers by a third and so to do that, you have to build roles and conditions where the younger generation want to work in the ADF and see the importance of it."
Kolomeitz spent two year of his life on active duty in Timor and Afghanistan and is now a leading television military analyst.
He's also played a key role in helping Afghan Army members gain visas in Australia, those who helped the coalition forces before the withdrawal of troops which led to the Taliban retaking control of the country.
While the Anzac Day clash always promises and usually delivers a cracking contest, Kolomeitz is optimistic it can help launch St George Illawarra's charge towards the top eight, having won just two of their past 14 games with coach Anthony Griffin, who is contracted until the end of season 2023.
"I think the win over Newcastle would have done a lot for their morale," he said.
"I've watched a lot of Ben Hunt and Moses Mbye there at fullback and the combinations are starting to come together."
Strange timing
Outgoing Hawks president Dorry Kordahi was described as a 'polarising figure' this week, after his shock decision to stand down before the end of an NBL season where they're a genuine chance of winning a title.
Kordahi deserves high praise for his role in reinstating the Illawarra name, after the league's disgraceful decision to take it away during the rebuild and the ridiculous conditions set for returning it.
He was lauded for reinvigorating corporate and community interest in the Hawks, but at the same time, had a reputation for putting noses out of joint inside and outside the organisation at times.
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