Essendon and Collingwood are set to face off on Anzac Day in front of another 90,000-strong crowd, with both clubs in the top four ahead of the blockbuster for the first time since the turn of the century.
The annual showdown has surpassed 90,000 fans at the MCG eight times, including the inaugural clash in 1995 that ended in a thrilling draw despite Saverio Rocca kicking nine goals in front of 94,825 supporters.
There is always a strong turnout for the Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day clash.Credit: Getty Images
An AFL spokesperson told The Age on Monday the league was hopeful of reaching that plateau again, given this week’s latest chapter of the rivalry promises to be one of the biggest Anzac Day matches in history.
The resurgent Bombers are fresh from upsetting Melbourne and in second place with four wins from five games under new coach Brad Scott, ahead of the Magpies on the ladder only on percentage.
“It’s just another opportunity to challenge ourselves against a really good side,” Scott said.
“Pleasingly, the last two weeks have been a big step forward. We had a pretty good start to the year, but we still weren’t happy [because] there was a bit of ‘clunkiness’ in the way we were playing.
“A lot of that is the opposition are out there trying to stop you doing what you do well, but I thought the last two weeks we have taken a considerable step forward, so we get another challenge next week – and they will keep coming after that.”
Collingwood have won the past two Anzac Day games and six of the last nine, but Essendon will enter the match chock-full of confidence, even if they can’t beat captain Zach Merrett’s dangerous tackle ban.
New Essendon coach Brad Scott has the Bombers firing again.Credit: Getty Images
Magpies coach Craig McRae already ruled out Nathan Murphy (concussion) and Mason Cox (hematoma), but Jordan De Goey (illness) will return and Nathan Kreuger will be strongly considered after returning in the VFL from his shoulder setback.
Dan McStay is also set for a stint on the sidelines with a finger tendon injury, compounding their big-man woes, with Darcy Cameron (knee) and Aiden Begg (back) also out.
“I’m really proud of the guys because, all of a sudden, we’ve got three or four guys out of position,” McRae said.
“It comes at a cost … but the nature of AFL footy, it’s round five, and we’re not the only one that’s got injuries. It’s just what happens, and you’ve got to find ways to win.”
This is the ninth time they will lock horns on Anzac Day, with each team in the top eight, but in 2000 – when the Bombers won their most-recent premiership – they sat first and third on the ladder, with only one defeat between them.
ANZAC DAY GAMES WITH BOTH SIDES IN TOP EIGHT
1998: Essendon 2nd; Collingwood 5th
2000: Essendon 1st; Collingwood 3rd
2001: Essendon 2nd; Collingwood 6th
2003: Collingwood 3rd; Essendon 8th
2011: Collingwood 1st; Essendon 6th
2013: Essendon 1st; Collingwood 7th
2015: Collingwood 6th; Essendon 8th
2019: Collingwood 4th; Essendon 7th
2023: Essendon 2nd; Collingwood 3rd
Essendon went on to win a high-scoring encounter by 40 points, and Collingwood ended up losing 14 of their last 16 matches to tumble to second-last by season’s end.
The AFL is also optimistic about the traditional Melbourne-Richmond game at the MCG on Anzac Day Eve attracting a crowd close to 80,000, which would be the most since 85,657 turned out for their 2017 clash.
The Carlton-St Kilda match at Marvel Stadium on Sunday could also boast one of the best crowds between those clubs at the venue.
With both teams performing well this season, general public tickets are almost exhausted for this weekend’s game, although members can still scan in at the gate on the day.
The record crowd between the Blues and Saints at Marvel Stadium is 50,820 in 2009, when St Kilda hung on for a nine-point win.
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
