Collingwood president Eddie McGuire says the Magpies and Essendon resisted a huge offer to move their Anzac Day AFL blockbuster to Sydney.
McGuire used the clubs’ decision to knock back the Sydney bid as part of an impassioned plea to the AFL to ensure Essendon and Collingwood remain the combatants in the traditional fixture, which they have held since 1995.
The Magpies boss said it was for the “good of the competition” that the two Victorian powerhouses were the only clubs involved, as they boosted the league’s coffers through sellout crowds, better television deals and strong media exposure.
There have been several recent calls for the fixture to be shared around clubs, including by legend Ron Barassi.
But McGuire said Collingwood and Essendon had proven they could provide the atmosphere the occasion deserved.
“That we fill this huge stadium every year rain, hail or shine provides a fitting tribute. Can you imagine the MCG being half-filled on Anzac Day like the old days?” said McGuire at a pre-match function.
“It is also timely to remind those who are not of the Collingwood or Essendon persuasion … that Anzac Day is shared by all in this game.
“Every other code looks with envy at the crowds and the ratings it provides.
“… In the media rights negotiations, a premium is placed on this game for the good of the competition.
“There is a levy applied to this game, a tax on our home and away game for the good of the competition.
“… The AFL membership is boosted substantially by getting access to this game, they’re mostly Collingwood and Essendon supporters who are AFL members.”
But McGuire said the fact that the Bombers and Magpies had resisted an offer to sell the game interstate was the most compelling argument.
“While other clubs sell games interstate regularly, only Collingwood and Essendon have the strength, the courage and the integrity and power to resist overtures from other cities to play this game,” he said.
“You can play who you want on the MCG on Anzac Day, but if Collingwood and Essendon accept the biggest payday in Australian sport and play in Sydney, I will guarantee you where the fans and the attention will be.
“(Victorian) Premier (John) Brumby is aware of the offer that was put in front of Collingwood and Essendon.
“But as citizens of Victoria and for the common good of the AFL and its clubs, despite their constant carping, but most importantly for the solemnity of this day, we have respectfully declined.”
McGuire called on the AFL to guarantee the match would remain between the Magpies and Bombers so they could “concentrate on celebrating this occasion and not have to justify ourselves every year”.
Earlier, Barassi said he was a proponent of sometimes involving other clubs in the fixture.
“They deserve some sort of break, every second or third year,” he said.
“I know (former Essendon and now West Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy) started it, and all of that, that’s great, but I think it should be shared around.
“Top ranked sides should get it (as well).”
Emperor Penguin
Guest
Trust me, we don't want it... see tv ratings for this game. I can't believe the NSW Gov would make a serious bid for this. The backlash would be dangerous, especially since they have very low credibility as things are now. The crowd and ratings would be low, it would rely on traveling fans. The links with ANZAC day tenuous at best now. It would be seen as a cheap nasty publicity stunt... good call AFL... On NSW events, they seem to think in order to beat other event organisers, they simply need to buy out other events, rather than focus on building the ones they already have. And that neglect eventually leads to Victoria and Queensland poaching the events they do have... NSW events is the most stupid overfunded poorly run government organisation in Australia. With the exception of Western Australia.
Redb
Guest
Great touch having one banner for both teams to run through. It shows these clubs that are bitter rivals work well together on this day.
Redb
Guest
Not a chance they don't deserve it.
Richard
Roar Guru
I'm a 'Pies supporter but I do sympathise with calls for other clubs to be involved in the ANZAC day game. Somehow it would be good if that can be achieved. But I think you just have to admit that a key reason why this event is so successful each year is in large part because Essendon and Collingwood are involved. Both these clubs have strong supporter bases and are consistently able to draw large crowds. The game has now become a tradition for Bombers and Pies fans, many of whom now make a special effort to go each year. Three factors now combine to make sure that the ANZAC Day game attracts large crowds and creates a finals like atmosphere. (1) The fact that it is ANZAC day (2) The fact that Collingwood and Essendon are involved and (3) That it has become a tradition for supporters of these clubs. Take away any one of those factors and the event will deflate. There was a time, when Barassi was playing as No 31 for the Dees, that the Melbourne v Collingwood Queens Birthday game held this aura in the AFL calendar. Even now Melbourne treats that game like a grand final each year, and it still attracts big crowds. So Barass is aware of the importance of big games becoming a tradition. So I think it is best to leave the ANZAC Day game as it is. It has become a fitting tribute to ANZAC Day, to the Diggers, and to the Australian way of life and its great success is a credit to both the Collingwood and Essendon football clubs.