As the sun rises over the Melbourne Cricket Ground, excitement fills the air as Collingwood and Essendon prepare to clash in the 30th edition of the Anzac Day blockbuster. This iconic matchup, which has become a marquee event in the AFL calendar, is steeped in tradition and history, bringing together fans from both sides to honor the sacrifices made by soldiers on this significant day.
The first Anzac Day game took place in 1995, a match that would set the tone for future encounters. That inaugural clash ended in a thrilling 111-111 draw, with Collingwood's Saverio Rocca stealing the spotlight by booting nine goals and earning the first Anzac Medal. It was a moment that would forever be etched in the memories of fans, marking the beginning of a cherished tradition.
Fast forward to 2025, and anticipation is palpable as the teams take to the field once more. Essendon has named its side for the match, with notable changes including the absence of Sam Draper, who has been ruled out for the season due to an Achilles injury. In his place, Todd Goldstein will make his return, marking his first senior game of 2025. Additionally, gun forward Kyle Langford is back in action after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in round one. Saad El-Hawli has been omitted from the side after serving as the sub for the previous three matches.
The significance of this day cannot be overstated. Kevin Sheedy, the visionary behind the Anzac Day game, recalls the inspiration for this annual event stemming from a memorable crowd of 92,436 at the MCG during a Collingwood vs. Richmond match in 1977. "Most people think I'm a pretty radical person, but I'm not really, I'm actually pretty conservative. I went overseas and had a look around at what other sports were doing and how they were creating bigger games and inventing ideas," Sheedy said in a recent interview. His visionary approach led to the establishment of a game that honors the contributions of Australian soldiers while celebrating the spirit of the sport.
In the years since its inception, the Anzac Day clash has attracted massive crowds, with over 90,000 fans attending on ten occasions and 14 matches drawing crowds in the 80,000s. The first game saw chaos outside the ground, with cars backed up for kilometers, a testament to the event's growing popularity. Sheedy recalls, "All the players were late to the team meetings. There wasn't much strategy going on before the game because every car was lined up trying to get to the MCG. We had phone calls coming in from everywhere."
As the 2025 match unfolds, the atmosphere is electric. The MCG is packed, and fans are treated to a fierce contest between two of the league's most storied rivals. The action is fast-paced, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. Early in the game, Nick Daicos, a young star for Collingwood, appears to be unmarked, creating opportunities for his team to seize control of the match.
Over the years, the Anzac Day game has produced countless memorable moments. In 2002, Collingwood secured a narrow victory in a low-scoring thriller, with Mark McGough winning the Anzac Medal in just his second game, finishing with 24 disposals and two goals. The following year, James Hird, in the prime of his career, took home both the Brownlow and Anzac Medals, solidifying his legacy in the game.
In 2006, Dale Thomas made headlines with a spectacular mark, while Collingwood claimed another Anzac Day Cup victory. The 2009 clash saw Essendon's David Zaharakis score a last-minute goal in driving rain, securing a thrilling win for the Bombers. Then in 2012, after facing media scrutiny over his weight, Dane Swan delivered a vintage performance, racking up 42 disposals and three goals to win the Anzac Medal in a nail-biting 80-79 finish.
As the years progressed, the Anzac Day game continued to evolve. In 2015, veteran Dustin Fletcher, just weeks shy of his 40th birthday, played a key role, but it was Collingwood's Paul Seedsman who stole the show with 31 disposals and a goal, earning the Anzac Medal. The 2021 match was particularly poignant, marking the first time the MCG was fully packed after the COVID-19 lockdowns, with Essendon emerging victorious and Darcy Parish being named best on ground.
Now, in 2025, fans are treated to yet another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry. As the game progresses, the intensity on the field mirrors the passion of the fans in the stands. Each play, each goal, and every tackle carries the weight of history and the spirit of Anzac Day.
As the clock ticks down, the outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon is more than just a game. It is a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and the enduring legacy of those who have served. The players on the field are not just competing for victory; they are part of a larger narrative that honors the sacrifices of Australians throughout history.
As the final siren approaches, the excitement builds, and fans hold their breath, eager to see which team will emerge victorious in this iconic battle. Regardless of the outcome, the Anzac Day game continues to be a defining moment in the AFL season, uniting fans and players alike in a shared appreciation for the game and the values it represents.
With the match still underway, the tension is palpable, and the legacy of the Anzac Day clash is firmly in the spotlight. This is more than just a rivalry; it is a testament to the spirit of Australian football and the enduring impact of Anzac Day.
