Anzac Day match
The Anzac Day clash is an annual Australian rules football match between Australian Football League teams Essendon and Collingwood on ANZAC Day (April, 25). Originally proposed by Kevin Sheedy, the matches take place at the MCG and since 2000 the best on field has been awarded the AFL Anzac Day Medal. First played in 1995, the match has become the highest drawing, and most anticipated, match of the home and away season. Before the match, a special ANZAC Day service is held at the MCG. This ceremony includes the recognition of Australian War Veterans as well as a Flag Ceremony with the Last Post and Australian National Anthem.
| Year | Winner | Collingwood Score | Essendon Score | Attendance | ANZAC Day Medallist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | No winner (Draw) | 17.9.111 | 16.15.111 | 94,825 | Saverio Rocca (Collingwood) |
| 1996 | Collingwood | 17.15.117 | 16.9.105 | 87,549 | Mark Mercuri (Essendon) |
| 1997 | Collingwood | 14.15.99 | 10.10.70 | 83,271 | Damian Monkhorst (Collingwood) |
| 1998 | Collingwood | 15.18.108 | 12.16.88 | 81,542 | Stephen Patterson (Collingwood) |
| 1999 | Essendon | 15.10.100 | 15.18.108 | 73,118 | Matthew Lloyd (Essendon) |
| 2000 | Essendon | 15.10.100 | 21.14.140 | 88,390 | James Hird (Essendon) |
| 2001 | Essendon | 14.11.95 | 15.13.103 | 83,905 | Chris Tarrant (Collingwood) |
| 2002 | Collingwood | 9.12.66 | 4.9.33 | 84,894 | Mark McGough (Collingwood) |
| 2003 | Essendon | 12.9.81 | 23.9.147 | 62,589 | James Hird (Essendon) |
| 2004 | Essendon | 11.13.79 | 17.10.112 | 57,294 | James Hird (Essendon) |
| 2005 | Essendon | 10.9.69 | 11.17.83 | 70,033 | Andrew Lovett (Essendon) |
| 2006 | Collingwood | 15.16.106 | 12.17.89 | 91,234 | Ben Johnson (Collingwood) |
| 2007 | Collingwood | 12.23.95 | 11.13.79 | 90,508 | Heath Shaw (Collingwood) |
| 2008 | Collingwood | 23.16.154 | 12.9.81 | 88,999 | Paul Medhurst (Collingwood) |