TEN HOURS after the end of the Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day match at the MCG, two teams of teachers, tourists, brickies and backpackers will pull on green and gold jumpers and prepare to represent Australia in the 10th annual Anzac Cup matches in northern France.

The men's and women's 'Australian Spirit' teams will take on French sides in matches commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux. The matches honour those who fought to reclaim the town on the night of April 24, 1918.

Villers-Bretonneux had been a key post for the Allies before the Germans successfully broke through defensive lines and took the town as part of their Spring Offensive.

This was a considerable victory given the town's vantage point over the city of Amiens, which was of significant tactical importance to both sides.

As such, the Australian-led counterattack which started on the night of April 24 was an imperative move, with the 13th, 14th and 15th brigades waiting for the cover of darkness before launching their response at 10pm local time.

Their efforts were successful, and the town was handed back to the villagers the following day – exactly three years after the Gallipoli landing.

Tragically, during this process, 2473 Australian lives were lost.

The Anzac Cup matches, presented by AFL Europe in partnership with NAB, are now a focal point in Australia Week celebrations organised by local authorities to recognise the sacrifices made by Australians who retook Villers-Bretonneux.

"It is a particularly special week given the significance of the date to both the Australian and French public, but especially the local community that will never forget Australia," French coach Andrew Unsworth said.

"The entire region is forever grateful to the Australian soldiers.

"Each year I am amazed at the way the town welcomes Australians. I am really looking forward to seeing France and Australia coming together again to share some memorable experiences, with an even bigger crowd in support."

AFL Europe received about 80 applications from players wanting to take part this year, with candidates assessed on their personal or family connections to Villers-Bretonneux and the armed forces, rather than any previous football experience.

"We wanted to select a group of people who would really cherish the opportunity. It isn't just about playing a game of footy overseas, but about getting involved in the entire week's celebrations to honour a really important event in Australian and French history,'' AFL Europe's general manager, Ryan Davey, said.

"Everyone who will step out for the Spirit on Anzac Day has got a strong personal connection to the armed forces, either through their own time in service or their family history, and it was clear from the applications we received that our selected teams are very passionate about this occasion."

Eddie Morgan, a 27-year-old farmer from Broken Hill, has a remarkable connection to the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.

His great-great grandfather, General Thomas William Glasgow, was charged with the responsibility of commanding the Australian counter-attack to reclaim the town.

It was his decision to postpone the counterattack, enabling his troops the benefit of the cover of darkness. Glasgow's men prevailed in a feat that Sir John Monash later described as the turning point in the war.

Glasgow had previously served for Australia in the Boer war in 1897 and at Gallipoli prior to the move to the Western Front, before progressing into politics and serving as the first High Commissioner to Canada. He is now immortalised in bronze on the junction of Brisbane's Turbot and Roma Streets, regarded as one of Australia's most decorated soldiers.

This week, 100 years after Glasgow's finest hour, his great-great-grandson will have the honour of captaining his country.

An Adelaide-born bushie now forging a career growing wool, Morgan admitted he was overjoyed when his application was accepted, giving him the chance to honour a connection of which he is extremely proud.

"He [Glasgow] has certainly left a legacy. A highly decorated and esteemed Australian who served his country with great distinction … his achievements are seemingly impossible to emulate but he certainly stood for values which I would hope have filtered down to our generation," Morgan said.

"I am both excited and nervous at the prospect of representing the Anzacs at a place that holds so much history, but I am very much looking forward to being in the exact place that it all happened. It will be emotional for all involved."

Morgan, a best and fairest winner and former captain of North Broken Hill Football Club, said footy on Anzac Day held a special place for him and his family.

"A typical Anzac Day for our family has always involved football. The Broken Hill league celebrates Anzac Day with the anthem, The Last Post and after-match presentations. Watching Collingwood-Essendon is also a highlight," he said.

"The aspect I am looking forward to most is representing our family. Football has been a huge part of my life and to be involved in an historic event such as this is extremely humbling."

Women's team skipper Priscilla Lodge also has a special link to Australia's military past. Her great-great grandfather Frank Lodge and his three brothers fought in and survived World War I and her grandfather Jack Hardy did the same in World War II.

For more on the Anzac Cup matches, go to afleurope.org.