LAST year’s ANZAC Day Eve clash was arguably one of the highlights of the AFL home and away season.

Pre-match, it was moving. The sight of Ron Barassi lighting the cauldron was fitting, given his father had served and sacrificed for his country. The match was a beauty; Jesse Hogan announced himself to the football fraternity.

On Sunday night, Melbourne produced a performance akin to last year.  

This time the red and blue won by 33 points; in 2015 it was by 32 points.

The fact that Melbourne won by just one more point this time around almost reflects the club’s improvement in 2016.

That little bit extra is reaping a lot more.

Melbourne also assured that it had its best start to a season in six years. Not since 2010, had Melbourne won three of its first five matches.  

It’s another notch in Melbourne’s belt.  

Since Paul Roos took over in September 2013, the club has slowly, but surely started to nip some unwanted records in the bud.

Finally, Melbourne chalked up two in a row with its win over Collingwood last round and against Richmond on the weekend. The last time it had won back-to-back matches was against Fremantle and Richmond in rounds 13 and 14, 2011 under the late Dean Bailey. Those wins were both at the MCG.

Melbourne also booted 100 points or more three weeks running for the first time since rounds 22 to 24, 2011, when Todd Viney was at the helm.

And for the record, Roos made it three from three against the Tigers in his time with Melbourne.

These are all important steps on the road to recovery, which is well and truly happening.

But it’s not just the team – it’s the whole club, which is on the right path under chairman Glen Bartlett and chief executive Peter Jackson.

Behind the scenes, plenty of work has been undertaken.

And that was again the case for the ANZAC Day Eve match – now a marquee fixture on the AFL calendar.  

Almost 60,000 people attended the game. It was up from 58,175 last year to 59,968. It’s a fair effort, given it happened to fall smack bang in the long weekend.

Moreover, the game has taken on significant meaning.

It has to be genuine for such an occasion.

Believe me – to observe some of the work produced by so many at the club, and by Richmond, leading up to this match was immense.

It’s always such a delicate balancing act when discussing football and war in the same breath.  

Perhaps now, more so than ever, it’s absolutely sacrosanct to suggest the two are linked in any way, shape or form. No battle on the football field can ever be likened to war – something many of us just don’t understand or haven’t experienced. 

But perhaps just as important, football most definitely has a role to play in respecting and highlighting the significance of those who have served and fallen.

That was where David and Jenny Jones came in.

Tragically, they lost their son Andrew in 2011, when he was serving in Afghanistan. He was just 25.

Andrew wasn’t a mad football fan, but it didn’t matter.

It was the role football could play – highlighting such a devastating loss that the Jones’ have had to endure that is important. It makes you pause, reflect and be totally empathic to their family and others, who have lost a loved one on duty.

Watching David light the cauldron, on behalf of his family, during the pre-match ceremony was particularly moving.

It won’t bring Andrew back, but it was a tribute that they can proud of, as it keeps his memory – and others who have fallen – alive.

It must remain that way.

I couldn’t stop thinking of David and Jenny and their family – and of course Andrew – during the night. I never met Andrew, but it turned out that we were at the same Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance on St Kilda Road in 2011. I had no idea he was there. He wouldn’t have had a clue I was there. That was the closest I ever came to being in his presence – at least that I’m aware of.

Meeting David and Jenny just over a week ago was an honour and a privilege. Hearing their story was heartbreaking.

It’s been hard not to think of them throughout the week. Andrew would’ve been 30 on April 22. That’s shattering, particularly at a time like this.

It’s a timely reminder to keep it all – football included – in perspective.

Enjoy the moments. The little wins. Smell the roses. Don’t get caught up in all the bulls***. Make the most of everything. Give hugs. Don’t have regrets. Enjoy the company of those around you. Back them in. Support them. Keep fighting for your cause.

For most, including yours truly, that’s easier said than done – life has its challenges for all – but it’s a great reminder to keep perspective it at the forefront of mind.

In the world of football, perspective can be lost at times – even if it’s the outlet needed for many and a fantastic experience to work in it.

The great thing about Melbourne’s win was the electricity it generated post-match. The energy in the rooms post-match was palpable. In those moments, it’s just about as genuine and raw as you’ll get inside a football club. Emotions always run high – win, lose or draw. But the former is naturally what everyone is after – players, coaches, staff, supporters and fans alike.

You’ve just got to relish the moment, because it moves on so quickly. The next challenge waits.

In a world that is prone to dramas, exaggeration and outlandish behaviour/statements, it’s important to keep perspective.

When the team wins, enjoy the moment. When it loses, stick by it. Don’t lose hope. Be thankful for the opportunity to see your beloved team – in our case, Melbourne.

It’s times like these – ANZAC Day Eve and ANZAC Day – that you need to appreciate and be thankful for what you’ve got.

Because as Jenny and David told me, there may not be a tomorrow.