Essendon is calling on fans to stand and pay their respects during a special service and broadcast of the traditional Anzac Day ceremony from the MCG at 1pm AEST on Saturday.

As Australians continue to deal with the current COVID-19 pandemic, Anzac Day commemorations across the country will look vastly different this year.

With the AFL season currently paused, Essendon and Collingwood, along with the AFL, MCC and RSL, remain determined to honour our veterans and reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those who have served, and those serving on active duty.

Fans are encouraged to put on their red and black colours and walk out to their yards, driveways or balconies, watching the live broadcast from 1pm AEST of the ode and Last Post via essendonfc.com.au and sharing their experiences on social media, all as part of support for the RSL's #StandTo social media initiative and the Anzac Appeal.

In the build-up to Anzac Day, there will also be special digital content offerings throughout the week. 

In Wednesday's Anzac Day edition of club podcast Working Through It, Collingwood coach and champion player Nathan Buckley will join on-field rival and Essendon premiership player James Hird, as well as Jobe Watson and Bombers CEO Xavier Campbell, to recount his favourite memories from the annual blockbuster game.

PREVIEW: WORKING THROUGH IT (EPISODE 3)

In an industry-first between clubs, Bombers skipper Dyson Heppell will host Magpies captain Scott Pendlebury for a live chat on Instagram on Friday afternoon.

Essendon fans will also have the chance to vote for their favourite Anzac Day win to be broadcast on afl.com.au immediately after the ceremony concludes on Saturday. 

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE ANZAC DAY WIN

The Bombers and Magpies were set to meet in their 26th annual Anzac Day clash on Saturday, a tradition that began in 1995.

Watch below to go back to where it all began in a special two-part Dons Digital feature, released last year to celebrate the game's 25th anniversary.