It’s a day rich in history, a day that means more than footy, a day that often provides the Pies with glory on the biggest stage. Leading into the 2021 edition of the ANZAC day clash, let’s look back at some of the best fought contests.
1995 - Collingwood 17.9.111 drew with Essendon 16.15.111
In front of 94,825 fans, the inaugural ANZAC day clash is unanimously thought of as the best. A back and forth battle that ultimately ended in a draw, it was a star studded Pies line up that took the field for the black and white.
The destructive Saverio Rocca kicked 9.2 on the day, he was accompanied by a young Nathan Buckley who amassed 30 disposals and a goal in just his second year at the club. Others to help the star duo included Mick McGuane and Damian Monkhorst. Dermott Brereton also slotted a goal in his only season for the black and white.
In a dramatic final term, Rocca took a fantastic pack mark to go back and kick his 9th goal for the day, levelling the scores with just a minute to go. 15 seconds on the clock and Nathan Buckley had the ball, running through the centre of the MCG,. He had time and space to launch for goal, a behind all that was needed for a Pies victory. He instead chose to try and find the red hot Rocca however his kick was intercepted by Dustin Fletcher and time run out.
2012 - Collingwood 11.14.89 defeated Essendon 11.13.79
A match remembered for so many moments, the 2012 ANZAC day showdown goes down as one of Collingwood’s best ever victories. Dane Swan was at his immeasurable best, amassing 44 disposals, kicking 3 goals including 14 clearances. An unbelievably strong Pies midfield accompanied Swanny in the middle, with Darren Jolly providing the ruck taps to Dayne Beams (34 disposals), Scott Pendlebury (36 disposals) and Steele Sidebottom (29 disposals).
The Pies led for most of the day, finding themselves 3 goals ahead a minute into the final term. However a barrage of Bombers pressure throughout the quarter saw a resurgent Brent Stanton put his side ahead with only two minutes to go. In a now or never moment, the Pies launched the ball to the top of the goal square and it was Jarryd Blair who was there to soccer the ball over the line to win the game for the Pies.
2019 - Collingwood 10.13.73 defeated Essendon 10.9.69
Both sides arrived at the MCG in round 6 of 2019 with 3 wins to their name. The Bombers were coming off 3 impressive victories, while the Pies had just returned home from Brisbane after a 10 goal victory.
Collingwood were the red hot side early in the contest, with 9 scoring shots int he first quarter equating to a 4 goal lead at the first break. 3 goals just before half time, including 2 from Joe Daniher, got the Bombers back in the contest at half time, and then back to just 9 points at three quarter time.
In what was largely a stalemate final term, it was the captain Scott Pendlebury who stood up when most important. Finishing on 38 disposals for the day, he, Brodie Grundy and Taylor Adams willed the Pies over the line in a thrilling match.
Jordan De Goey’s running goal was enough for the Pies to come away with a 4 point victory.
2014 - Collingwood 12.11.83 defeated Essendon 8.12.60
Despite the final score showing a convincing win for the Pies, it was not just a simple win in the 2014 edition of the ANZAC day match. The Bombers were leading by 38 points when Jake Melksham kicked the first goal of the second quarter and the Essendon fans thought they were in for a relaxing win at the MCG. Unfortunately for the Bombers, Steele Sidebottom and Dane Swan had other plans.
A 6 goal to 1 second term had scores level at half time thanks to 3 goals from Sidey and some brilliance from Swanny. An almost unbelievable swing in momentum had the Pies in front early in the third quarter, and from there the boys didn’t look back. Swanny won his 2nd ANZAC Day medal as a result of his outstanding performance that included 4 goals and 26 disposals. Helping him out in the midfield was Dayne Beams (32 disposals), Steele Sidebottom (26 disposals) and Scott Pendlebury (30 disposals).
Pies fans will never forget Swanny’s goal from the boundary in the 3rd quarter.
2006 - Collingwood 15.16.106 defeated Essendon 12.17.89
Collingwood broke through for its first ANZAC day win since 2002 with a hard-fought 17 point triumph in front of 91,234 fans.
The Pies trailed by two goals at quarter time, and one goal at half time, but were able to put together a 9 goal to 5 second half to walk away with the chocolates. Alan Didak kicked 4 goals on the day, continuing his hot start to 2006, he was accompanied by Nathan Buckley who picked up 19 disposals and 3 goals for the afternoon.
The industrious backline of Heath Shaw (25 disposals) and eventual ANZAC medalist Ben Johnson, ensured the Pies were stringent in defence. Johnson finished with 30 disposals including an impressive 10 marks.
Pies fans will remember this one for Ben Johnson being called Craig upon being awarded the medal for best on ground.
