The Anzac Day clash, often considered the second biggest AFL match of the year after the Grand Final, saw Essendon defeat Collingwood 100-82 at the MCG in 2017. A near-capacity crowd of 87,000 fans attended under drizzling skies, following wet dawn services and parades.
The match holds deep commemorative significance, honoring Australian service men and women. Before kickoff, both teams and fans participated in an Anzac Day service featuring a motorcade of veterans, a flag ceremony, the Last Post and Reveille, and the national anthem sung by the Royal Australian Navy.
Major General Fergus McLachlan highlighted parallels between war and sport, noting shared values of spirit, sacrifice, togetherness, and courage. “Your head over the ball, looking after your mates, putting aside your personal aspirations — we’re in the same business,” he said.
Former AFL player and coach Mick Malthouse called Anzac Day “Australia’s finest day” and a privilege to be part of the tribute to the military. The match, a tradition since 1995, was banned on Anzac Day until 1960.
In Afghanistan, soldiers like Lance Corporal Daniel Sudweeks (Essendon fan) and Corporal Ashley Lowe (Collingwood fan) watched the game on a big screen in a welfare tent. “I think I might be the only Collingwood supporter here so they’re a bit hard on me,” said Cpl Lowe, from Ballarat.
