AFL Anzac Day live blog - Collingwood, Essendon in traditional encounter at packed MCG
It's time for the biggest day for the AFL outside finals, as tens of thousands gather at the MCG for the Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon.
Later this evening, there will be a second on-field commemoration when Fremantle and Adelaide meet in the Len Hall Tribute Game in Perth.
But first, the 30th edition of the Anzac Day encounter between the Magpies and the Bombers will feature a joint run-through of the banner before an emotional observance ceremony with the Last Post in front of an expected crowd of more than 90,000.
Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to
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1m ago
Fri 25 Apr 2025 at 4:26am
The MCG before the crowds came in
A
By Andrew McGarry
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12m ago
Fri 25 Apr 2025 at 4:15am
Welcome to AFL action on Anzac Day
A
By Andrew McGarry
It's time for football on Anzac Day
(Getty Images / AFL Photos)
Hello and welcome to ABC's live coverage of AFL action on
Anzac Day
.
Thirty years ago today,
Collingwood
and
Essendon
joined with the
RSL
to stage a game to pay tribute to the men and women who had served Australia, including those who gave their lives on various continents.
That day featured so many highlights, including nine goals to the Pies'
Saverio Rocca
, and a heart-pounding finish that left honours even.
Since then, every April 25 — except for the COVID-affected year of 2020 — these two sides have met, and the stirring Anzac Day commemoration now extends to every game of the round as the community comes together for football, respect and remembrance.
Today the Magpies and Bombers will meet again, the Last Post will be played, and a perfect silence will give way to the roar of 90,000-plus at the MCG.
Then later this evening, attention will swing to the west, where
Fremantle
will host the
Adelaide Crows
in the
Len Hall Tribute Game
at Perth Stadium. For the first time the
Arthur Leggett Medal
will be awarded for best-on-ground, in honour of WWII veteran Arthur Leggett, who died earlier this month at the age of 106.
My name is
Andrew McGarry
and I will be bringing you the action this afternoon, before
Chris De Silva
joins us later for Fremantle vs Adelaide.
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