HERITIER Lumumba says it was a “fantastic occasion” playing for Collingwood on Anzac Day against Essendon and he believes the same feeling will occur when Melbourne plays Richmond on Anzac Day eve at the MCG this Friday night.
Lumumba said the players realised and understood the significance of this Friday night’s match.
“What I’ve learned in those clashes [when I was at Collingwood] is that it’s a great opportunity to celebrate some of the history of Australia and celebrate the service of people that fought in wars for us,” he told Dee TV.
“I think being able to play in a game that remembers that history is quite significant and the guys are really excited about having the privilege of doing so.
“We’re really looking forward to being able to show the greater audience the brand of football we’ve been trying to create through the whole pre-season and the early games. It’s another opportunity for us to take another step forward.
“It’s the only Friday night match we get to play [this year] … and it’s another opportunity for us to play together as a group.”
Lumumba said he thought last round’s clash against the Crows was the “best effort” he had seen from his team so far this year.
“Even though we weren’t able to get the win, the guys were focused on the processes that we had planned to execute during the game – and that was the pleasing thing,” he said.
“We were led really well by Nathan Jones and Bernie Vince, who really stepped up his intensity and physicality.
“It really set a standard for us – that is the standard we would like to uphold every week and go beyond that. If I could foresee the future, I think that game will be pivotal in shaping the way in which we go about our football in the future.”
Lumumba, who has played in the three matches for Melbourne this year, said he was relishing his move after 199 matches with Collingwood and a premiership with the club in 2010.
“I’m loving playing for the Melbourne Demons – it’s been really refreshing and each week my love for the football club grows and I’m really proud of being able to represent the football club,” he said.
