The AFL is pleased to announce a new initiative with the Australian Defence Force whereby the AFL will offer WatchAFL – the AFL’s international streaming service – available via a free online season pass to all active Australian military personnel stationed overseas. The initiative commences on Anzac Day, Friday April 25 AEST and continues throughout the entire 2014 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

AFL Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gillon McLachlan, launched the initiative today in Canberra with the Minister for Defence, the Hon David Johnston, saying that the AFL – through its international streaming partner, Rightster Group Plc, and Telstra - was more than happy to provide the service in support of those ADF personnel currently serving overseas.

“Anzac Day is a hugely significant day for all Australians. The traditional Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG, along with the matches played in New Zealand and Perth, provides the AFL with an opportunity to honour the Anzac legacy and support those men and women who have served, or continue to serve, their country,” Mr McLachlan said.

“We know there are many active members of the Australian Defence Force serving overseas that are followers and supporters of Australian Football and we hope that by offering this service, which enables them to watch any AFL match over the course of the entire AFL season either live or on demand, we can provide them with a chance to stay connected to the game back home.

“We thank the Department of Defence, Rightster Group Plc and Telstra for making this service available to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force serving outside Australia in the lead up to what is a very special day on Friday, as well as for the rest of season ahead.”

Rightster CEO, Charlie Muirhead, said: “Rightster is delighted to support the AFL to offer free online season passes. We have ensured that all active Australian military personnel posted around the world will now have a simple way to enjoy and engage with one of Australia’s premier sports online.”

The AFL continues to support Anzac Day via a wide range of initiatives, including support for the Returned and Services League (RSL) of Australia and donating a portion of funds generated from ticket sales across this year’s AFL Anzac Round directly to the Anzac Centenary Public Fund.