For footy fans, Anzac Day is now an integral part of Australian Rules culture. There have been some memorable encounters between the two sides, none so more than the draw in 1995. The ledger stands out four wins a piece and the luncheon today reflected on the past nine Anzac Day matches.
Tim Watson hosted the event that over 800 supporters of both clubs attended. Essendon chairman Neil McKissock and Collingwood president Eddie McGuire were in attendance. Club captains James Hird and Nathan Buckley relived their Anzac Day memories in the panel discussion. Both captains have played enormous roles in their respective sides victories over the past decade. Hird has won the Anzac Day medal on two occasions and who can forget his five goal performance in the Bombers’ 66-point victory last year.
The highlight of the luncheon was the announcement of Kevin Sheedy’s and Mick Malthouse’s Anzac Day team of the decade for their respective side.
THE BEST ANZAC DAY TEAMS 1995 - 2003
ESSENDON
B: Wanganeen, Fletcher, Wallis
HB: Hardwick, M.Harvey, Solomon
C: Ramanauskas, Misiti, Long
HF: Hird, Lucas, Barnard
F: Bewick, Lloyd, Mercuri
R: Somerville, O’Donnell, J.Johnson
Inter: M.Johnson, Denham, Wellman, Grenvold
Coach: Kevin Sheedy
Captain: James Hird
COLLINGWOOD
B: Russell, Prestigiacomo, Crosisca
HB: Wright, Kelly, Burns
C: Brown, Buckley, Licuria
HF: Williams, A.Rocca, Watson
F: Francis, S.Rocca, Tarrant
R: Monkhorst, McGuane, O’Bree
Inter: Fraser, Clement, Richardson, Lockyer
Coach: Mick Malthouse
Captain: Nathan Buckley
ANZAC MEDALLISTS
started 2000
2000: James Hird
2001: Chris Tarrant
2002: Mark McGough
2003: James Hird
RESULTS
1995 - Essendon 16.15 (111) Collingwood 17.9 (111)
1996 - Collingwood 17.15 (117) Essendon 16.9 (105)
1997 - Collingwood 14.15 (99) Essendon 10.10 (70)
1998 - Collingwood 15.18 (108) Essendon 12.16 (88)
1999 - Essendon 15.18 (108) Collingwood 15.10 (100)
2000 - Essendon 21.14 (140) Collingwood 15.10 (100)
2001 - Essendon 15.13 (103) Collingwood 14.11 (95)
2002 - Collingwood 9.12 (66) Essendon 4.9 (33)
2003 - Essendon 23.9 (147) Collingwood 12.9 (81)
2004 - ?
Essendon Football Club
Anzac Day Team of the decade
Paul Barnard B:13/2/73 Haw 1994-95 11 Games 4 Goals, Ess 1996-2003 150 games 75 Goals Originally a full-back or forward from East Perth he was strong and hard at the ball. His shaved head and aggressive style appealed to coach Sheedy. His 4 goals after half time in the 2000 Grand Final were vital in achieving a flag for the Bombers
Darren Bewick B:21/8/67 Ess 1988-2000 238 Games 332 Goals. A classy rover recruited from West Perth. This dashing red-head used his great pace to cut through the opposition. Darren played in the Grand Final in 1990 and the premiership sides of 1993 and 2000. He made a stunning comeback from a knee reconstruction with a nine goal haul against Geelong.
Sean Denham B:29/4/69 Geel 44 Games 21 Goals, Ess 142 Games 44 Goals. Failed to make a mark in his first year but revelled in the new role as a tagger in 1993 and played in the premiership that year. Very competitive and with great powers of concentration he won the Best & Fairest in 1997.
James Hird (Capt) B: 4/2/73 Ess 1992- 186 Games 274 Goals. James has Essendon genes as his father and grandfather both played for the club. He can cruise across defence or kick huge goals with the same nonchalance. He is all class and although some of it was evident in the 1993 Premiership, by 1996 he was arguably the best player in Australia. He won the Brownlow Medal in 1996 but was then side lined for almost 2 seasons with a serious foot injury. James won the Best & Fairest in 1994,1995,1996 and was runner-up in 2000. An horrific face injury side-lined him again in 2002, but his return to play quality football was a tribute to his courage an asset usually overshadowed by his superb skills. James was runner-up in the Brownlow of 2003 and the Don’s Best & Fairest. Ranked 3rd best ever player in the Champions of Essendon 2002.
Dustin Fletcher B: 7/5/75 Ess 1993- 204 Games 59 Goals The son of Ken Fletcher, this tall and skilful defender made headlines in his first year. He finally settled into the full-back position and established himself as one of the best in the business. Dustin played in the 1993 premiership side and won the Essendon Best & Fairest as well as State selection in the 2000 Premiership year.
David Grenvold B: 6/3/66 Ess 1989-96 112 games. A rugged half back from South Australia. David played in the losing Grand Final side of 1990. A member of the 1993 Premiership team and a great competitor until knee problems forced him to retire.
Damien Hardwick B:18/8/72 Ess 153 Games 13 goals P.Adelaide 2002- 40 games 0 Goals. Damien won the reserves Best & Fairest in 1993 and realised he should be in the seniors. He won the senior Best & Fairest in 1998. He played an important part in the 2000 flag and won All-Australian selection in 2000 and 2001.
Mark Harvey B: 11/6/65 Ess 1984-1997 206 Games 170 Goals. A very talented recruit from Keilor who made an immediate impact. In his first season he played an important role in the flag win. He played in another flag the following year as well as earning Victorian and Australian selection. Mark also won the Best & Fairest in 1992 and another Premiership in 1993. Ranked 18th. in the Champions of Essendon 2002.
Jason Johnson B:25/1/78 Ess 1997 - 110 Games 66 Goals. Jason learnt his football at Assumption College and then Calder Cannons. Played a huge part in the Bombers 2000 Flag and followed up with a Best & Fairest in 2001. He was clearly the best ball winner in tough situations and an inspiring force.
Mark Johnson B:23/5/78 Ess 1999- 110 Games 30 Goals. From the Calder Cannons he soon developed a reputation as one of the toughest in the game. Showed great courage to play in the 2000 flag with a serious shoulder injury and capped that year with a Best & Fairest in 2002.
Matthew Lloyd B:16/4/78 Ess 1995- 165 games 599 Goals. Picked by Essendon as first draft pick in 1994 as a result of a four player clearance to Fremantle. Matthew made his State of Origin debut in 1997 He went from strength to strength topping the goal kicking many times. He is a three time Coleman Medallist and premiership player of 2000. He is almost impossible to stop when in top gear.
Michael Long B:1/10/69 Ess 1989-2001 190 Games 143 Goals. From a famous football family in Darwin, Michael had magical skills. He played in the losing 1990 Grand final but his dancing run and goal in the 1993 Grand Final will be remembered by all football followers. He won the Norm Smith medal in that year. He played in the 2000 premiership side before retiring in 2001. Ranked 23rd. in the Champions of Essendon 2002.
Scott Lucas B:30/12/77 Ess 1996- 160 games 227 Goals. A tall and versatile player from Geelong Falcons whose long left foot kick is a great asset. He played in the 2000 Premiership and was on of the few shining lights in the 2001 Grand Final loss. Scott went on to win the club Best & Fairest in 2003.
Mark Mercuri B;21/2/74 Ess 1992- 198 Games 239 Goals A skilful mid fielder with an ability not only to kick goals but to glide over the turf with a one touch manner. Mark played in the 1993 Premiership team, won State selection in 1994, was runner up in the Brownlow Medal of 1999, and won the club Best & Fairest. He also played in the 2000 flag win.
Joe Misiti B:9/11/74 Ess 1992- 217 Games 88 Goals. Joe made his senior debut late in 1992 after picking up more than 35 possessions for 8 weeks in a row in the reserves. His prolific ball winning skills and pinpoint passing are highlights of his game. Joe played in Premierships in 1993 and 2000 and was runner up in the Best & Fairest in 1997.
Gary O’Donnell (V.Capt) B:12/5/65 Ess 1987-98 243 games 88 Goals. Gary played 67 reserves games before making his senior debut. He had an enviable history of consistency finishing in the top 3 in the field before winning the Best & Fairest in the 1993 premiership year.
Adam Ramanauskas B:19/11/80 Ess 1999- 84 Games 47 Goals. Adam emerged in 2000 as a Rising Star nominee and Premiership player. His pinpoint disposal and coolness under pressure were rewarded with third in the Club Best & Fairest.
Dean Solomon B: 9/1/80 Ess 1998 - 99 Games 33 Goals. Originally from Broken Hill, Dean is as tough as nails and plays much taller than his 188cm. He played in Essendon’s 2000 Premiership side as well as the 2001 Grand Final. Missed all of
the 2002 season following a knee reconstruction.
Peter Somerville B: 8/7/68 Ess 1988-99 160 Games 89 Goals. A ruckman from Moe whose father John also played with the Bombers. First ruck in the 1993 Premiership side, John had his best year in 1995.
Dean Wallis B: 27/8/69 Ess 1987-2001 127 Games 42 Goals. A succession of injuries, mainly hamstrings, hampered his career prior to 1992. His vigorous approach earned him a place in the 1993 Premiership side. Sheedy had great faith in his value ""in the trenches"" throughout the 1990’s and despite the feeling that his career was coming to an end, Dean bounced back to take his place in the victorious 2000 Premiership side.
Gavin Wanganeen B: 16/6/73 Ess 1991-96 127 Games 64 Goals. P.Adelaide 1997- 125 Games 90 Goals. Snapped up by Essendon in 1991 as one of football’s hottest properties, and from the moment he stepped onto the ground the Club had a ready made champion. His gritty low to the ground style had a magical touch of brilliance and he was rewarded in 1993 with a Premiership and Brownlow Medal. Gavin returned to Port Adelaide in 1997 to continue his career as team captain. Ranked 19th. in the Champions of Essendon 2002.
Sean Wellman B: 20/9/74 Adel 1994-95 34 Games 9 Goals Ess 1996- 166 Games 25 Goals. A tall key position player in his two years at Adelaide, but he had injury worries in his first year with the Bombers. He had a fine year in 1997 when played in defence and developed into one of the best defenders in the game. Sean played in the 2000 Premiership side, was runner-up in the 1998 Best & Fairest and won All Australian selection.
Coach: Kevin Sheedy. Kevin was appointed Senior Coach at Windy Hill, for the 1981 season and there was immediate success in the night series. Essendon beat Carlton, after being held goaless until 16 minutes in the second quarter. Essendon won all four pre-season practice games, but after losing five of the first six matches, Kevin’s ability as a coach was questioned. The club won the next 19 games to make the finals, The team, known as the Baby Bombers, gradually matured under Kevin’s direction and made the 1983 Grand Final before going on to win back to back Premierships. Kevin coached the Big V in 1985-86. He was named All Australian coach in 1984. Essendon topped the ladder in 1990, but lost the Grand Final by 48 points to Collingwood. Building a young, new team Essendon again topped the ladder in 1993, before winning their 15th premiership, against Carlton. Besides winning the premiership, the Club won the McClelland Trophy and individual players won the Brownlow, Michael Tuck and Norm Smith medals and the Night Premiership. In 2000 Kevin coached the Bombers to a record equaling 16th Premiership.
This is Kevin’s 24th year as a senior coach. On ANZAC day 2004 he will coach Essendon for his 550th game. Only two other coaches: Jock McHale (714), Allan Jeans (575) have coached more senior games.
Kevin’s first coach, Tom Hafey, says ""Even though he wasn’t blessed with the skills of some other players, he finished up, in my opinion, the best back pocket who ever played. He is all about loyalty and honesty. He’s a man of great character. He had a terrific work ethic and was so determined to succeed"".
Collingwood Football Club
Anzac Day Team of the decade
Gavin Brown B: 25/9/67 Coll 1987-2000 254 Games 195 Goals. Brown’s commitment to the Collingwood cause is legendary. Played in the 1990 Premiership, was made Captain in 1994. His five seasons as Captain, three Best & Fairest awards and two All Australian selections ensure him a place in Collingwood’s Hall of fame.
Nathan Buckley (Capt) B:26/7/72 Bris 1993 20 Games 21 Goals Coll 1994 - 208 Games 203 Goals. Nathan won the Magarey Medal 1991 at the age of 19. He was also runner up in Brisbane’s Best & Fairest in his only year at the club. Crossed to Collingwood in 1994 and became Captain in 1999, and despite missing 5 games due to injury, easily won the Magpie’s Best & Fairest and was equal 3rd in the Brownlow. He won All Australian for the fifth consecutive year in 2000, and as expected romped away to win the club’s Best & Fairest also for the fifth time. Nathan led Collingwood brilliantly in their narrow 2002 Grand Final loss. He won the Copeland Trophy for the 6th. time in 2003 and also won the Brownlow Medal
Scott Burns B:23/12/74 Coll 1995- 162 Games 90 Goals. A strong and fearless defender from S.A., Collingwood had to wait two years after drafting him before he ventured east. The under-rated Burns was runner up in the Best & Fairest of 1996, and there were few who could match his work ethic. He played in the 2002 Grand Final and was runner up in the Copeland Medal.
James Clement B: 4/9/76 Fremantle 1996-2000 84 Games 38 Goals Coll 2001- 66 Games 8 Goals. A hard at the ball player he missed only two games in three seasons whilst with the Dockers. He moved to Collingwood in 2001 and was a valuable contributor finishing third in the Best & Fairest of 2002.
Gavin Crosisca B:15/9/68 Coll 1987-2000 246 Games 64 Goals. Regularly topped the Magpie list for shepherds and tackles and the Collingwood hierarchy ranked his importance highly. He was a handy player in the 1990 Premiership side. Gavin was runner up in the Best & Fairest in 1998 when approaching his 30th birthday, after previously finishing third on two occasions.
Tony Francis B:1/4/69 Coll 1990-98 142 Games 103 Goals St Kilda 1999 19 Games 5 Goals. A cheeky rover from S.A. he played in a Premiership in his first year at Collingwood. In 1991 he won Collingwood’s Best & Fairest and All Australian selection. Injuries limited his appearances in 1995 and after coming third in the Best & Fairest in 1996 he was cleared to St Kilda at the end of the 1998 season.
Josh Fraser B:5/1/82 Coll 1990 - 90 Games 83 Goals Collingwood drafted Josh with the No1 pick in the1999 National draft. In 2000 Fraser exceeded all expectations . He continued to develop beyond his years until the demands placed on him created form and injury problems. Josh played with injury during the 2002 season but excelled in the final series of 2002 and 2003.
Craig Kelly B: 16/6/66 Coll 1989-96 122 Games 43 Goals.
A strong, tough defender from Norwood, his straight ahead play at half back was a key factor in Collingwood’s 1990 Premiership win. ""Ned"" was a popular figure throughout his career at Victoria park. Recently honoured with Life Membership.
Paul Licuria B: 4/1/78 Syd 1997-98 10 Games 2 Goals Coll 1999- 106 Games 35 Goals. Joined the Magpies in 1999 and won a Norwich Rising Star nomination. Paul had an outstanding season in 2000 culminating in a premiership win. He won the Magpie’s Best & Fairest in 2001,and in 2002 confirmed his standing by repeating the effort. He played in both the 2002 and 2003 Grand Final sides.
Tarkyn Lockyer B: 30/10/79 Coll 1999 - 84 Games 44 Goals. Lockyer usually lines up in the back pocket where his skills make him a handy member of the defence team. Runner up in the Best & Fairest in 2000 and fifth in 2001. Played in the Grand Final side in 2002, but was injured in Round 3 of the 2003 season and has not played since.
Michael McGuane B: 29/12/67 1987-96 1523 Games 128 Goals. Carlton 1997 3 Games 1 Goal. Runner up in the Copeland at just 19 years of age, Michael’s bouncing run was a familiar sight in Collingwood’s advance to the 1990 flag. Injury sidelined him in 1991 but he bounced back in 1992 with a Best & Fairest win and All Australian selection. Injuries and illness curtailed his appearances in 1995 and 1996 before he crossed to Carlton in 1997.
Damien Monkhorst B:21/8/69 Coll 1988-99 205 Games 45 Goals. St Kilda 2000 10 Games 0 Goals. A ruckman from Woori Yallock who was thrust into the No.1 ruckman role at a very young age. He out pointed Simon Madden in the 1990 Grand Final and played an important part in Collingwood’s Premiership win. Injuries and a slump in form saw him move to St.Kilda in 2000.
Shane O’Bree B:15/3/79 Bris 1998-99 19 Games 3 Goals Coll 2000- 87 Games 40 Goals. After two years with Brisbane Shane expressed a desire to return to Victoria and was drafted with the No.1 selection by Collingwood. Shane has finished in the top five in the Copeland Trophy on two occasions.
Simon Prestigiacomo B: 31/1/78 Coll 1996- 128 Games 3 Goals. Considered one of the plum picks in the 1995 National Draft. Played most of his junior football in attack but was moved to defence at Collingwood to bolster an injury ridden defence. He was one of Collingwood’s unsung heroes in 2000, and played in both the 2002 and 2003 Grand Finals.
Mark Richardson B: 31/10/72 Coll 1991-2002 141 Games 83 Goals. Mark had a strong Magpie heritage through father Wayne and uncle Max. During his career he was utilised in many positions, full forward, forward pocket, defence and ruck. He had his best year in 2000 where his marking was always a highlight.
Anthony Rocca B: 15/8/77 Syd 1995-96 22 games 11 Goals Coll 1997- 144 Games 241 Goals. After two unsettled years in Sydney Anthony returned to Melbourne to play with his brother at Collingwood. His capacity to haul down big marks together with his prodigious kicks for goal turned many a game for the Magpies. He was runner up in the 1999 Best & Fairest.
Saverio Rocca B: 20/11/73 Coll 1991-2000 156 games 514 Goals Kangaroos 2001- 57 Games 122 Goals He topped the goal kicking at Collingwood from 1993 to 1999. In 1995 he bagged 93 goals and won the Club Best & Fairest award.
Scott Russell B: 7/5/70 Coll 1990-98 182 Games 107 Goals. Syd 1999 16 games 8 Goals. A terrific centre square possession winner, his pace and class in the mid field was a key factor in the 1990 Premiership. He was third in the Best & Fairest in each of his first three seasons and again in 1996. He also represented his home State of SA eight times.
Chris Tarrant B: 18/12/80 Coll 1998- 110 Games 191 Goals. Collingwood’s first pick in the 1997 draft. Chris has had a number of injury problems that have hampered his natural brilliance. He played in the 2002 and 2003 Grand Final sides and in 2003 topped the Collingwood goal kicking for the third time, achieved All Australian selection and was runner up in the Best & Fairest.
Shane Watson B: 17/2/74 Coll 1992-2000 141 Games 102 Goals. For a player who had a second placing in the Best & Fairest and a Victorian jumper to his name by 19, his career did not achieve the heights predicted for him. His courage put him in situations where he was ""cleaned up"" by oncoming opponents, and the subsequent injuries hampered his career.
Graeme Wright B: 6/6/68 Coll 1988-97 182 Games 106 Goals. His non-stop running on the wing made him a menace to opposing teams. In 1990 he went within one vote of the Brownlow Medal, won State selection for Tasmania and played in the Premiership side. As he lost some leg speed he became a very handy player in defence where his trademark courage shone through.
Coach: Michael Malthouse. After a playing career at both St Kilda and Richmond, Michael began his coaching career at Footscray in 1984 and in his second year guided them to the finals. In 1990 he was appointed coach of the eagles, the first non-West Australian to get the job. He guided the club to its first flag in 1992 and followed up with another in 1994. Malthouse stepped down from the West Coast job at the end of 1999. A lifelong Collingwood supporter, he returned to Victoria to coach the Pies from 2000. Malthouse lifted the Magpies from second bottom in 2000 to consecutive Grand Final appearances in 2002 and 2003. History says that Mick will relish the challenge that his group faces this year, given he has more young talent at his disposal and his senior group who know that that elusive Premiership is well within its reach.
