ST KILDA’S venture into Anzac Day football and the international stage is a unique privilege according to coach Scott Watters.

Speaking on the eve of his team’s clash against the Sydney Swans in the first official game played for premiership points outside Australia, Watters said his team was honoured to be playing on a special day in Wellington, New Zealand.

“It brings a lot of opportunities to the table. For our players to play on Anzac Day is a rare privilege so I have been fortunate to be a part of that at a previous club. To have our younger and older players get that experience is a rare opportunity,” Watters said.

“To embrace a different culture over here is also a great opportunity and on top of all of that there is still a game of footy to play which is the most important part. It is a great challenge for us.”

Despite all the ceremony that comes with playing on a significant day in an exotic location, Watters said no one had lost focus on the task at hand.

“You’ve got to win games to stay in the hunt. We don’t shy away from that so it is a big game, as last week was. We’ve got to take our chances when they’re there if you want to stay relevant and push ourselves up the ladder,” he said.

“We really respect the opposition – I’ve got a lot of respect for John (Longmire) and the way he goes about it. We had some great battles with them last year and we are sure this will be a terrific spectacle.”

But the Saints coach did say that the different nature of the game could be an advantage to his team that was venturing into uncharted waters in the AFL world.

“What we are looking for is real honesty in the contest. On this particular day on this particular stage, with so many people watching, it is an opportunity for players to show what they stand for on both sides,” he said.

“You have to take those opportunities whether you are a young player or older player to make a statement on what type of player you are. It is not a final but these games have that sort of feel to it.”