Essendon midfielder Brent Stanton says a blockbuster Anzac Day clash is the perfect occasion for the Bombers to turn around a miserable trip west last week.

The 23-year-old was absent from the 23-point deficit against West Coast with a back injury but is confident the emerging side can string together four quarters of high intensity football and seal an important win over an old rival.

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“One and three obviously isn’t ideal so it is important that we get our next win on the board but we are always looking to improve and that is what this group is trying to do each week,” Stanton said.

“If you analyse the games from week to week you will find you are good in some areas and not so good in other areas. It is just a matter of getting everything right at the same time.

“Last week the execution may not have been right and it was one quarter of footy that we didn’t play well. I think that has been the main theme throughout the whole year – we’ve lead during most games but cannot finish it off.

“We just have to play four quarters of footy. If we get our execution, fitness and pressure on the opposition right for four whole quarters then we should be able to get another win on the board.”
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The former Northern Knight says he and his teammates appreciate the significance of Anzac Day and is proud to get the opportunity to play in such an occasion.

“Anzac Day is obviously a big deal for the football club - it’s an important game, not only for the season but also for what it represents for our country and I’m very honoured to be playing,” Stanton said.

“We are lucky to be part of the Essendon Football Club because part of that is learning about why we are involved in one of the biggest days in the AFL calendar and what makes it significant.

“The club has taught me a lot about it over my time here and have been really good in the way they teach the younger guys who and what they are representing on the day.”

Last year’s blockbuster was hailed as one of the best in the 16-year Anzac Day history between the two sides – particularly for Essendon supporters – and Stanton is looking forward to a similar atmosphere on Sunday.

 “I have played in five Anzac Day matches but last year’s was probably the best just because we were in lead for most of the day before Collingwood hit the front,” he said.

“I guess with five minutes to go almost everyone had written us off but within the playing group we knew we still had a chance and kept on fighting until the end. I guess the most memorable wins are when you work hard as a team and get over the line.”
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Despite last year’s thrilling five-point victory, capped off by a brilliant goal by David Zaharakis in the dying minutes, Stanton hopes his side can put the game away a little earlier this year.

“It was pretty nerve-racking. I would hope for a similar result but hopefully we are leading with a bit more time to go,” he said.

“You always want it to be an exciting game but we need to concentrate on playing our best footy. That’s the most important thing for this football club at the moment.”

ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS

1.20pm-1.40pm Australian Army Band

1.40pm-1.55pm Preliminary on-field warm-up opportunity

1.55pm-2.15pm Anzac Day Presentation including; Presentation of Match Footballs, Video Tribute, Tribute to Veterans including motorcade lap of honour, Performance by David Campbell & Troy Cassar-Daley

2.19pm Display of Cheer Squad Banner

2.21pm Umpires enter arena

2.22pm Essendon enters arena

2.25pm Collingwood enters arena

2.27pm (approx) Immediately on completion of Collingwood theme song, teams congregate on Northern Stand centre wing, Captains shake hands and then teams run through joint cheer squad banner

2.32pm Catafalque Guard in pre-set position

2.33pm Teams and umpires in position for Observance Ceremony. Guard introduced and slow march from pre-set position. Guard turns outward and rest on arms. Includes; The Ode, The Last Post, Minute silence, The Rouse – flags raised, National Anthem by Deb Cotton from the Australian Army Band

2.38pm At conclusion of the National Anthem; wo sirens – two minutes to the start of the match, Guard vacates the arena, Toss of Coin

2.40pm Match commences

3.45pm (approx) Half-time Interval: NAB AFL Auskick program

5.15pm (approx) On-field post match presentation of Anzac Day Medal and Trophy by President of the RSL (Victorian Branch), David McLachlan. Both teams to stay on-field during the presentation