Collingwood will take on Essendon in the 29th annual ANZAC Day clash at the MCG on Thursday.
With Collingwood coming into the clash off the back of three-straight wins and the Bombers starting their season with four wins and two losses, the fixture is shaping up to be yet another ANZAC Day classic between the traditional rivals.
The overall ledger currently sits at 17 wins to Collingwood, ten to Essendon and one draw, with Collingwood winning the last two games by 13 and 11 points respectively.
Last time they met
The last time the Pies and Dons came face to face was in Round 24, 2023. The Magpies flexed their muscles before the start of the victorious finals campaign, running out 70-point winners in a clash that saw Collingwood secure the minor premiership.
Tom Mitchell was prolific for the Pies with 33 disposals, six tackles, seven clearances and ten contested possessions, while up forward Brody Mihocek and Jack Ginnivan both booted three goals each.
ANZAC Day 2023
In what was a comeback of the year, Collingwood overcame a 28-point three-quarter-time deficit to beat the Bombers by 13-points in front of 99,256 fans at the MCG.
It was all about Nick Daicos for much of the clash, with the then 20-year-old winning the ANZAC Day Medal off the back of 40 disposals, two crucial last quarter goals, 604 metres gained and nine score involvements.
As well as Daicos’, final quarter goals from Billy Frampton, Ash Johnson and Jack Ginnivan turned the tide for the Pies and saw Collingwood snatch what was their fifth win of the season.
Ins and Outs
After a strong run of form in the VFL, 20-year-old forward Harvey Harrison comes into the side for his fifth game at AFL level, and his very first ANZAC Day clash.
Harrison replaces Reef McInnes who started as the Sub in last week’s win over Port Adelaide. Harrison for McInnes is the only change to the side that took on the Power in Round Six.
Team Selection: Forward to play first game for 2024 as Pies name side for ANZAC Day
Craig McRae has named Collingwood’s side for the 29th annual ANZAC Day clash against Essendon at the MCG tomorrow.
Players to watch
Off the back of what was arguably a career best performance, Will Hoskin-Elliott will be riding a wave of confidence when lines up on ANZAC Day. Two big marks coupled with important goals as he swung forward to play as a key, saw Hoskin-Elliott labelled ‘a Swiss-Army Knife’ by Coach Craig McRae due to his versatility across the ground.
Veteran Scott Pendlebury was on the cusp of a significant milestone in last week’s Round Six victory, before being rested to ensure he is in prime condition for tomorrow’s clash. The 36-year-old is now only four disposals away from 10,000 in his career, an achievement all but guaranteed to occur in tomorrow’s clash. It will make him the first player to reach the figure, solidifying his status as one of Collingwood and the game’s greatest players.
Honouring those who have served
The annual fixture between Collingwood and Essendon is an opportunity to honour and recognise those who have served for Australia in times of War. Fans are encouraged to arrive to the match early for a range of proceedings including the traditional pre-game ceremony.
2024 ANZAC Day pre-match schedule:
- 12:00pm: MCC Gates Open
- 12:30pm: Public gates open
- 1:45pm: Australian Army Band to perform
- 2:24pm: Motorcade of Veterans
- 2:35pm: Something for Kate to perform
- 2:51pm: Umpires enter arena & Match Day ball presentation
- 2:53pm: Collingwood enters arena
- 2:56pm: Essendon enters arena
- 2:58pm: Both teams run through the joint banner
- 3:00pm: Roulettes flyover
- 3:07pm: ANZAC Day Official Observance Ceremony
- 3:18pm: Coin toss
- 3:20pm: Match commences
Re-living past ANZAC Day games
The 28 ANZAC Day matches thus far have seen a close finishes, clutch moments and players make a name for themselves on the big stage.
Jarryd Blair’s toe-poke that won the 2012 clash:
When 17-year-old Mark McGough won the ANZAC Day medal and then went to school the next day:
ANZAC medal on Thursday, school on Friday: McGough reflects 22 years on
As we approach the 29th edition of the ANZAC Day match, former Collingwood player Mark McGough reflects on his incredible performance as a 17-year-old that earned him the best on ground medal.
Nick Daicos wins the game for the Pies in 2023:
Take in the action
The match will be broadcast live on Channel Seven, Fox Footy and kayosports.com.au. For local broadcast information, visit the AFL website.
The Magpie Army can stay connected with the team via the Official Collingwood website and social media channels. Visit collingwoodfc.com.au, @collingwood_fc on Instagram and threads, @collingwoodfc on X (formerly Twitter), Collingwood Football Club on Facebook and YouTube for a range of behind-the-scenes content, the latest news and more.
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