The annual Anzac Day clash at the MCG will hold even more significance for Essendon this year, with the club set to play its 500th game at the famous ground.
Essendon first graced the hallowed turf on August 7, 1897, and have created lifetimes worth of memories for its supporters there in the 127 years since.
25 of Essendon’s 29 Grand Final appearances have been staged at the MCG, as well as 14 of the club’s 16 premierships – the first of those victories coming in a six-point win over Collingwood in the 1911 VFL Grand Final.
Individually, Bombers stalwart Dustin Fletcher holds the club record for games played at the ‘G (186).
For Fletcher, the memories of those games will always endure, including his AFL debut back in 1993.
“I truly believe the MCG is the best sporting ground in the country with its unbelievable history and atmosphere,” Fletcher said.
“I still remember my debut game there like it was yesterday, playing Carlton in front of a massive crowd. Lining up on great players such as Justin Madden and Stephen Kernahan was just so memorable.
“To have played over 180 games at the MCG is such a great personal feeling.”
The Bombers’ clashes with Collingwood have been a staple at the MCG, making it all the more special that Anzac Day will play host for the club’s milestone.
“It just feels right that its Essendon and Collingwood marking our 500th game there on Anzac Day,” Fletcher said.
“To play on such an important day in our country’s history makes it an honour to even just be there in attendance.”
Across the Dons’ 499 games at the venue, their record sits at 277 wins, 213 losses and nine draws.
Over the time, more than 26,894,508 people have seen the Bombers take to the ‘G, with an average crowd attendance of 55,798.
The Bombers and Pies will face off in one of the biggest fixtures on the footy calendar at 3:20pm on Thursday.
