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Anzac Day is here once again. That day when Australians rise early to pay homage to the war dead, raise a glass and, of course, watch Essendon and Collingwood lock horns at the MCG.
There is also that tedious, perennial debate about whether other clubs deserve a share of the ANZAC Day limelight, which I’ll happily leave for another day.
This fixture has been host to an array of magical moments since Kevin Sheedy had his brainwave in the mid-1990s.
From Sav Rocca’s mark and nine goals in the initial game, to James Hird’s heroics and Mark McGough (remember him?) making a name for himself in 2002.
In more recent times, who could forget David Zaharakis in the wet and Jarryd Blair’s toe poke last season.
Speaking of last season, it was that aforementioned late goal which gave the Magpies a one-point victory and third consecutive win on ANZAC Day.
More tellingly, that was a sixth-straight victory in all matches against the Bombers – a streak extended to seven against the depleted Dons in the final round of 2012. The unbeaten run is their longest against Essendon since the war.
It will be intriguing to see how much freshening up the sides do, given the almost unprecedentedly short turn around.
As was the case last year, the Bombers go into this match with a 4-0 record. Their major injury concerns are Dustin Fletcher (groin) and Michael Hurley (ankle).
Scott Gumbleton made a successful return to the 22 on Saturday, booting four goals against the undermanned Saints.
Despite topping the table the Dons are underdogs for Thursday – no doubt because of their poor records both against Collingwood, and at the MCG, where they have won just four of their past 21.
The Magpies returned to the winners list on Saturday, putting Richmond back in their box with an eventually comfortable 34-point win.
For the time of year, the Westpac Centre casualty ward is full a full one with the likes of Luke Ball, Dayne Beams, Nick Maxwell and Darren Jolly set to miss again.
Collingwood’s depth matches that of any team in the competition, however, and the likes of Ben Johnson, Tyson Goldsack and even Andrew Krakour could return.
The key match-up looms between Travis Cloke – he who destroyed Alex Rance and the Tigers on Saturday – and promising key defender Jake Carlisle, imperious to date in 2013.
Tantalisingly, both players rank in the top four for marks in the competition and, in front of a sell-out crowd and millions watching at home, this shapes as the biggest test for Carlisle in his short career.
This duel is key to deciding which side ultimately wins the match.
Be on The Roar around 2.40pm AEST for up-to-the-minute commentary, stats and banter!
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