The Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies go head to head today in their traditional Anzac Day meeting at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2.40pm AEST.
In the last couple of years more and more teams are jumping on to Anzac Day to try and get their share of the massive attention that this day brings.
This time around we have no less than five games of footy on the big day, beginning early in the morning with St Kilda and Carlton in Wellington, before coming here to the MCG.
Regardless of the extra passengers it is this game, the annual clash between these two ancient rivals, which will long be remembered as the true Anzac game.
The decision to host a game on our of our nation’s most sacred days has only added to the intensity of a clash like this one, and Anzac games over the years have given us some great memories.
No doubt the first that comes to mind is the shouting of “Zaharakis! Zaharakis!” that accompanies the magic moments late in the 2009 thriller. But Collingwood’s 1-point win in 2012, or Dane Swan’s ripping performance last year, these stick in the mind as well.
This could be the biggest Anzac game yet. For one thing, in 2015 we are officially commemorating 100 years since the landing at Gallipoli.
For another, both these clubs are sitting at 2-1 and within the top eight at this point of the year.
The Magpies have made only a single change this week. After losing Taylor Adams as a late change last week, they’ve brought him back in with Patrick Karnezis the player to make way.
Essendon have made two changes. Adam Cooney will unfortunately miss due to hamstring injury, while Jason Ashby has been dropped. The players making their way in are Courtenay Dempsey and Will Hams.
The Bombers will definitely be going into this one as favourites. While both sides have the same number of wins, it’s the Bombers who’ve been more impressive, with a big win over Hawthorn and coming very close against Sydney.
Collingwood only the other hand only have wins against Brisbane and St Kilda, and looked second-rate in their loss to Adelaide.
That said, a big occasion like this has the habit of bringing out the best in teams. It’s the kind of game where the formline doesn’t really matter. Barring finals, both clubs will see this as their biggest game for the year.
Anything could happen.
Prediction
I reckon the Bombers will be too good, but expect Collingwood to put up a fight. The Bombers have faded late in all three of their games so far and that will give Collingwood hope throughout the match even if they’re down early.
Essendon by 12 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 2.40pm AEST.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
It's more a case of the bad guys losing, isn't it? (As opposed to the good guys winning) Bit like if Osamas' men lined up against Adolphs'.
Bobbo7
Guest
While Hird is still coaching, it's pleasing to see EFC lose. First time I've ever supported Collingwood!
Josh
Expert
A little bit.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Did Collingwood just misspell their own player's name?
Josh
Expert
Josh
Expert
Young Paul Seedsman my tip for the ANZAC Medal, was the best player on the ground when it matter, delivering the ball forward with a precise foot and slotting a goal of his own. Jack Frost, Tyson Goldsack also in contention, Dyson Heppell could win it from a losing team after a big day.
Josh
Expert
Bit of a poor game in the end - some good contests for both teams but in the end fifteen goals, twenty-eight behinds combined is never going to be particularly thrilling. The Pies put more pressure on for most of the day and in the end that got them the win, by 20 points.
Josh
Expert
Josh
Expert
Josh
Expert
Josh
Expert
FULL TIME ESSENDON 6.13.49 COLLINGWOOD 9.15.69
Josh
Expert
GOAL ESSENDON Late goal for Joe Daniher, he slots his second running into open goal. ESSENDON 6.13.49 COLLINGWOOD 9.15.69
Josh
Expert
BEHIND ESSENDON Will Hams kicks a behind. ESSENDON 5.13.43 COLLINGWOOD 9.15.69
Josh
Expert
GOAL COLLINGWOOD Sam Dwyer snags a goal and that should just about end this one. ESSENDON 5.12.42 COLLINGWOOD 9.15.69
Josh
Expert
GOAL COLLINGWOOD Pies make up for Adams miss as Travis Cloke gets a set shot and sinks his second goal of the day. They're 22 points up now with a bit over 10 minutes left to play. ESSENDON 5.11.41 COLLINGWOOD 8.15.63
Josh
Expert
BEHIND COLLINGWOOD Taylor Adams marks up forward and kicks a behind. Gettable goal, he's missed the chance to kick a sealer. ESSENDON 5.11.41 COLLINGWOOD 7.15.57
Josh
Expert
BEHIND COLLINGWOOD Rushed behind to the Pies, Cale Hooker rushes a shot on goal from Corey Gault across. ESSENDON 5.11.41 COLLINGWOOD 7.14.56
Josh
Expert
BEHIND ESSENDON Jake Carlisle gets a good mark up forward but has an absolute shocker of what should've been an easy kick. Just a behind. ESSENDON 5.11.41 COLLINGWOOD 7.13.55
Josh
Expert
BEHIND COLLINGWOOD Travis Varcoe kicks a behind. ESSENDON 5.10.40 COLLINGWOOD 7.13.55
Josh
Expert
Okay, final term underway!