This Saturday sees St Kilda host the first-placed Giants in what is a crucial home fixture for the Saints.

In a nod to the significance of the round, the Saints and Giants have teamed up with their community partner Soldier On, a foundation set up to assist returned soldiers in their return to life after active service.

The guards of honour for both teams on Saturday afternoon will be formed by a 90-strong group from Soldier On, comprised of returned veterans, military personnel and family members representing soldiers who’ve tragically passed away.

The focus of the ANZAC Day round generally centres around celebrating the ANZAC’s first major conflict in the First World War, the ill-fated landings at Gallipoli on Sunday, 25 April, 1915.

And while the tragedy of Gallipoli holds obvious significance on the day itself, there’s a bigger picture that is too often overlooked; the fate of our returned servicemen and women.

Around 50% of army veterans who return home after service suffer from some form of mental illness.

From debilitating anxiety to crippling PTSD and depression, the difficulties plaguing our returned forces present a significant challenge for many veterans wanting to simply move on with their lives.

The storied sacrifices made by those who gave up their lives for our country on the shores of Gallipoli are in stark contrast to the unseen sacrifices made every day by our returned soldiers and their families.

Soldier On “works side by side with those who have served and continue to serve our nation, and their families, to help secure their future”.

The foundation aims to shed light on the daily struggles suffered by these men and women and help them in the transition from active service back into normal life through a number of methods.

Soldier On offers health and wellbeing support, employment transition services, learning and education programs and social activities and programs to ignite strong connections with family, friends and the broader community.

This week, Soldier On is hosting its Force4Good Week, “for those who have been a force for good for Australia”.

The foundation relies heavily on the generosity of public donations to continue its work.

If you wish to support the health and wellbeing of our returned servicemen and women, head to the Soldier On website to donate.