There aren’t many home-and-away fixtures where names and performances become synonymous with the clash itself, but Anzac Day is certainly one of them.
Across 29 encounters between Essendon and Collingwood on the famous day, fans have been treated to moments already etched in footy folklore, with the two Clubs coming together to form one of the enduring events in the Australian sporting landscape.
As the Dons and Pies prepare to square off for a 30th time on Anzac Day this Friday, we’re looking back at some of Essendon’s greatest moments on the day, beginning with the very first edition from 1995.
1995 - The inaugural draw
Where better to start than the beginning.
Even the thousands of fans who ended up locked out of the MCG on the very first iteration of the Anzac Day clash in 1995 have a story to tell from this day, which endures as one of the greatest games of the modern era.
With 94,825 people packed into the ‘G – well above the anticipated attendance – the Dons trailed the Pies by 14 points heading into the final term, in large part due to what would end up being a nine-goal performance from Saverio Rocca.
When James Hird swooped on a ground ball and brilliantly snapped to put the Bombers in front with just 3:43 on the clock, it looked like it might’ve been the final say – a late contested mark and goal to Rocca proved otherwise.
Nathan Buckley then had an opportunity to find Rocca on the lead in the dying seconds but Kevin Sheedy’s flooded backline ultimately snuffed out the last attacking foray of the day, leading to a 111-apiece scoreline at the final siren.
One of only two drawn Anzac Day games in history, the inaugural clash will live long in the memory of both sets of fans.
2003 - ‘Hird, inside 50… the General!’
James Hird’s game-breaking goal in the third term of the 2003 clash ultimately turned the tide.
Having already established himself as a frequent Anzac Day specialist (winning the Medal in 2000) and with Collingwood back in the contest after back-to-back goals, the Captain took it on himself to wrestle back momentum.
Intercepting a clearing kick from Shane O’Bree in the final minutes of the third quarter, Hird steadied, took his time and rammed it through from just inside the 50-metre arc.
An almighty fist pump and roar followed from the Bomber faithful, and the writing was on the wall for the Pies.
The Bombers piled on eight goals to one in the final term – they ran away with a 66-point win, while Hird collected the second of his three Anzac Day medals after finishing with a staggering 27 touches and five goals.
2009 - You know the one…
Whether it’s the cry of ‘Zaharakis!’ from Steven Quartermain or ‘It’s absolutely pissing down at the ‘G!’ from Brian Taylor, this goal from 2009 is arguably Anzac Day’s seminal moment.
Down by 14 points with less than 2:40 on the clock, a Leroy Jetta goal gave the Bombers the slightest of chances as the rain began to heave down on the MCG - when Ricky Dyson followed up and kicked truly with a pearler from on the boundary line, it was officially game on.
Mayhem ensued as the Dons pushed forward in pursuit of their winner, but Heritier Lumunba’s desperate late diving tackle on Jetta deep inside 50 looked to have iced the result in the Pies’ favour.
You know exactly what happened next.
David Zaharakis’ first career goal in just his fourth game is not just a famous Anzac Day moment, but one of the most celebrated goals in the league’s history.
Paddy Ryder claimed the Anzac Medal for his inspired work in the ruck after a season-ending injury to David Hille early in the piece, while the MCG was sent into raptures after Zaharakis’ winner.
For a generation of Bomber fans, it’s arguably their most cherished footy moment.
2013 - Jobe puts the icing on the cake
During a challenging period for the Club, Jobe Watson always manfully shouldered the duties as skipper, and his 2013 Anzac Day performance was one of his biggest rewards for effort.
Capping off a solid four-quarter display from the Dons – which included a 34-touch, four-goal number from Zaharakis for best afield honours – Watson burst away from a stoppage late in the final term and buried one of the finest goals of his career.
The 93,000-strong crowd erupted as Watson sprinted back to the bench, marking a memorable moment for a famous Club name.
Essendon won out by 46 points, with that late goal the lasting image of the day.
2017 – A rundown to remember
“Tipungwuti with the rundown of the day!”
On a soaking wet MCG deck, Brian Taylor perfectly called Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s inspirational tackle on Will Hoskin-Elliott, symbolic of Essendon’s effort down the stretch in 2017’s clash.
Joe Daniher claimed the Anzac Medal with a breakout big-game performance and three goals, while Zach Merrett finished with a team-high 33 touches in an 18-point victory.
2021 - Anzac Day footy returns in a big way
In many ways, it felt like footy officially came back on April 25, 2021.
More than 78,000 made it down to the ‘G in the largest attendance for a single sporting event during the COVID-19 pandemic, watching on as the Dons secured a strong win over the old rival.
Having missed out on an Anzac Day clash entirely in 2020 due to the lockdowns, the Bombers made sure their faithful’s return to the MCG was worth the wait.
Darcy Parish produced arguably the best outing of his career on the big stage, amassing 42 disposals and sealing the deal with an outstanding long-range goal.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti finished with a game-high five majors as the Bombers revelled in a four-goal win.
2024 - Tense times at the MCG
The nerves of footy.
Essendon and Collingwood just refused to be split in the most recent installment.
Booting the opening four goals in quick succession, the Bombers started hot but Collingwood were quick to reply as both sides showcased the very best of Anzac Day footy over the course of two hours.
Starring for much of the day with four goals, Kyle Langford’s late behind tied the scores at 85 with pressure continually mounting in the MCG cauldron.
93,644 watched on as each side looked for a killer blow, but almost fittingly no further score was added as another classic game was added to the Essendon v Collingwood column.
Zach Merrett took home the Medal after 30 disposals and nine tackles – he’ll shape as an important piece of Friday’s game, where his side seeks out their first win on the day in four years.
