The war that the veterans had fought in was the Vietnam War. An opening montage in this Aussie movie features archive footage from that conflict. Cast member Max Cullen, who plays Hank, appeared in both movies, in 'The Odd Angry Shot' (1979) he portrayed a warrant officer.
Angus Wilson (Jack Thompson) repeatedly claims he won the Brownlow Medal when he use to play for the Collingwood Football Club. In 'The Club' (1980), Thompson played Laurie Holden, the coach of the Collingwood Football Club.