The Collingwood and Essendon rivalry is one of the most famous in the AFL. Over their storied history the two have played each other an amazing 238 times with Collingwood leading the ledger 131-103. Three times they have met in a Grand Final, with Collingwood again leading the record 2-1.
But it’s their annual Anzac Day clash that has defined their rivalry over the past 25 years. The inaugral match, played in front of a record 94,825 fans in 1994, finished in a leg shaking draw. Since then there have been a few drubbings but overall the matches have been played in the “Anzac spirit” and been close fought to the end. The Anzac Spirit encompasses many qualities but in the context of this AFL match the most applicable are endurance, courage, and mateship (and when Dane Swan was playing … larrikinism!).
Over the journey there have been many memorable clashes. Who could forget David Zaharakis kicking the winning goal with seconds remaining in the 2009 Anzac Day clash? Or Jarryd Blair returning the favour with 1 minute 20 seconds to go in the 2012 clash? Or James Hird and Nathan Buckley’s brilliance in the early days of the “event”.
Even in Round 6 this year the two clubs produced yet another memorable battle. Early on it looked like a percentage booster for the Pies but from halfway through the second quarter the Bombers worked their way back into the contest.
It was edge of your seat stuff in the last quarter with the Bombers closing within four points. It was as close as they would get with a series of controversial umpring decisions and the subsequent booing by Essendon fans in the presentation ceremony marring what was a thrilling contest.
It’s a rivalry that rises to the occasion no matter where the two teams sit on the ladder.
The teams will renew their battle in Round 23 with a place in the finals possibly on the line for the Bombers. Even more exciting, the two foes could meet again in week one of the finals if results fall the right way.
It’s an exciting time for fans of both clubs and you could be there on Friday August 23 with Collingwood v Essendon Medallion Club seats. Yes, you could have the best seats in the house for one of the biggest clashes of the year. Or get in early and enquire about next years match Essendon v Collingwood Medallion Club tickets And of course with finals just around the corner don’t forget you can also secure both AFL Finals tickets and AFL Grand Final ticket packages.
And just for fun …. let’s take a look at the opposing views of the Round 6 game from this year. First up, it’s the Bombers take on the controversial umpiring that day:
And now for the Pies fans rebuttal:
And lastly… the official word from the AFL:
