The last ANZAC Day match was one to remember, with Essendon proving too strong for Collingwood to claim a stirring 18-point victory.

Joe Daniher was the hero that day, booting three goals from 16 disposals in a dominant performance both in front of goal and further up the ground to receive the ANZAC Medal for best on ground.

The key forward also claimed eight marks in the slippery conditions and had six inside-50s to go with three goal assists.

But Daniher wasn’t alone in the victory. Fellow forwards Orazio Fantasia (four goals), Cale Hooker (three) and Josh Green (three) ran riot, while midfielder Zach Merrett (33 disposals and seven clearances) was also superb.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Bombers, however. After getting out of the blocks quickly with a four-goals-to-one first term the Magpies fought back.

Collingwood kicked three goals in a row to claim the lead midway through the third term, but it was short-lived.

At the subsequent centre bounce the ball was handed across to Daniher who unleashed a booming kick from well inside the square to regain the lead.

The ball bounced through the goal posts just 10 seconds of game time after the Magpies hit the front, and the Bombers didn’t look back.

Essendon kicked six of the next seven goals to score the exciting win in impressive fashion to break free after losing three of the traditional ANZAC Day clashes on the trot.

The Bombers’ efficiency inside the forward 50 was crucial in the victory. Despite losing the inside-50 count with 43 to Collingwood’s 66, Essendon recorded just two fewer scoring shots and nailed four more goals.

Essendon went on to defeat Collingwood again in round 16, this time by 37 points in another impressive display.

The Dons will look to make it three in a row against the Pies on Wednesday with an enormous crowd expected for what will be a thrilling contest.

ESSENDON AND COLLINGWOOD HAVE JOINED FORCES. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE ANZAC APPEAL