It was a record-breaking Round 7 at the MCG as the footy world paused to pay tribute to past and present serving men and women with a memorable ANZAC Round, headlined by an ANZAC Day classic between Essendon and Collingwood.
It was a case of déjà vu for fans of the two teams, with nothing separating the Bombers or the Magpies as the final siren sounded, replicating the scenes of the very first ANZAC Day match 29 years earlier.
That match – the beginning of the traditional match between Essendon and Collingwood in 1995 – also saw the two teams unseparated at the end of the match, setting up an epic rivalry that would continue across throughout the next three decades.
Fast forward to 2024, and once again the two teams were inseparable, registering a draw at 85 points each.
It was the Bombers who started the match red hot, scoring 6.1 to the Pies’ 2.6 in the opening quarter to gain a 19-point lead at the first break, before a second quarter rally from the reigning premiers saw the lead reduced to just one -point at the main break.
It was a high-pressure second half, highlighted by a Mark of the Year contender from Collingwood Forward Jamie Elliot. The final quarter saw a 15-minute period between scores for either team, with unrelenting defensive pressure as the match concluded with a level margin.
The day, however, is much bigger than just football, as the game takes a back seat to an impactful ANZAC Ceremony, which produces spine-tingling scenes as a stadium packed with over 90,000 fans stand in complete silence during the rendition of the Last Post and the Minute’s Silence.
Then, as the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia conclude, the skies come alive with an aerial display from the Roulettes as they cross over the stadium from goal to goal.
This match was one of four played at the MCG for ANZAC Round.
The night before saw Richmond and Melbourne meet in the ANZAC Day Eve match. The pre-match ceremony sees the entire stadium plunged into darkness, lit only by the lights from telephone torches, and the Eternal Flame carried by the Corangamite Light Horse Troop on its lap of honor around the Ground.
Despite a close first-half, the Demons came out victorious against the Tigers, with a dominant second half seeing Melbourne claim a 43-point victory.
It was another exciting contest on Saturday, as the then-undefeated Geelong Cats proved too good for Carlton, claiming a 13-point win despite a late flurry from the Blues deep into the final term.
Then, on Sunday, the Swans claimed bragging rights over the Hawks, with a 76-point victory in a match that celebrated 2023 retiree, Buddy Franklin, who played at both clubs during his 354-game career.
Across the four matches at the ‘G in Round 8 a total of 292,311 patrons entered through the MCG Gates – the highest attended AFL home and away round at the MCG of all time.
The previous record of 291,473 was set during Round 1 of 2023.
Round 8 (ANZAC Round) matches at the MCG
Richmond v Melbourne (ANZAC Day Eve)
Wednesday April 24
Richmond 5.12 (42) defeated by Melbourne 13.7 (85)
Attendance: 72,840
Essendon v Collingwood (ANZAC Day)
Thursday April 25
Essendon 12.13 (85) drew with Collingwood 12.13 (85)
Attendance: 93,647
Geelong Cats v Carlton
Saturday April 27
Geelong Cats 18.10 (118) defeated Carlton 15.15 (105)
Attendance: 87,775
Hawthorn v Sydney Swans
Sunday April 28
Hawthorn 5.12 (42) defeated by Sydney Swans 18.10 (118)
Attendance: 38,052
