The VFL ANZAC day clash between the Bendigo and Collingwood did not provide the same joy as the AFL game the day before with the Bombers going down 13.11 (89) to 6.10 (46).
 
The long awaited rain that Bendigo had been hoping for had arrived the day before and continued all night, leaving the ground moist and slippery.
 
Collingwood kicked the first goal of the match but the Bombers’ dominated the possession count around the ground. Bendigo had opportunities with two shots going astray for behinds and another out on the full.

After persistently pressuring Collingwood's defence, Essendon listed player, Jay Neagle, slotted one through.

The strong wind made it hard to score goals and the wet condition kept the ball on the ground creating plenty of stoppages for both sides.
 
Bachar Houli impressed with his composure in the centre and Tyson Slattery played solidly in defence in a quarter which did not provide many highlights for the young Bomber’s side. Bendigo trailing 1.2 (8) to 3.4 (22).
 
The 2nd quarter started with Neagle taking a great pack mark and kicking his second goal. The Bendigo midfield started to overuse the handball, which allowed Collingwood to progress forward and covert.

Jay Nash was controlling the back line and repelling Collingwood’s momentum. John Williams got a great handball off to Thomas German who slotted a goal and Houli was busy in the middle.

Williams had a say in the Bombers next goal too, setting up Rhys Magin who kicked a goal into the wind. Following more good play from Nash in defence, Slattery (Charles) was provided with another shot from goal and slotted through his second.

The scoreboard at half time didn’t do the Bombers justice. Strong performances from Paul Scanlon, Nash and Houli kept Bendigo hanging in the game. Bendigo down 6.3 (39) to 7.6 (48).

Now with the wind, the Bombers came into the 3rd quarter with some momentum. First opportunity went to Lachlan Delahunty who, after taking a great mark, couldn’t manage to convert. Magin starred early, breaking through the packs and allowing Bendigo to move forward.

Bad luck plagued Bendigo, first with Williams' shot touched off the boot, then Neagle’s attempt blowing out of bounds on the full and Scanlon hitting the post.

Former Essendon player turned Magpie, Damien Peverill, was giving Bendigo trouble all over the ground. Collingwood may have had fewer opportunities but they made the most of them.

The ball was kept in dispute for what remained of the 3rd quarter with the Bombers’ only break going to Magin who kicked a goal. Bendigo trailing 6.9 (45) to 9.6 (60).

The 4th quarter started off as a muddy, ugly affair but when the weather cleared up slightly it was all Collingwood.

Williams was one player who consistently played well in the forward line and provided run in the midfield. Bellchambers took an impressive grab, which was one of only two inside 50’s for Bendigo in the last quarter.

Despite the efforts of Nash, Collingwood was able to run away with 4 quick goals burying any chance that the Bombers’ had.

Senior Coach, Matthew Knights was at the game and noted that he liked what he saw in the first half performance of the Bombers but the taller Collingwood players proved too strong after half time.

“The boys certainly put in the effort today in the wet conditions but were just unable to stay with Collingwood’s run in the second half,” he said

“After strong performances from Houli, Jarrod Atkinson and Bellchambers today, I’m happy to say that they could be in the equation for Essendon selection this week.”