It all began in the mid-1990s when then Essendon coach, Kevin Sheedy, found inspiration while working in his garden. Sheedy, a former army serviceman, reminisced about the success of the 1977 Collingwood-Richmond game and wondered how a football match on ANZAC Day could pay tribute to those who served their country. With the support of the AFL, the RSL, and officials from Essendon and Collingwood, Sheedy’s vision came to life.

The first modern ANZAC Day match took place on April 25, 1995, at the MCG between Collingwood and Essendon. With limited publicity, the game quickly gained traction as fans flocked to the stadium after the ANZAC Day march. The match was a nail-biter, ending in a draw with both teams scoring 111 points, and the crowd of 94,825 remains the second-highest home-and-away crowd in VFL/AFL history.

Every year this match sells out in advance, but there are still ANZAC Day tickets and function packages available for the ANZAC Day match at The Golden Ticket.

Over the years, the ANZAC Day match has become one of the most significant events in the AFL calendar, rivalling the finals in terms of crowd attendance and anticipation. The match is now considered one of the biggest games of the AFL season, often drawing larger crowds than all but the Grand Final. In recent years, other clubs and media outlets have called for the match to be shared among all clubs, not just Collingwood and Essendon.

The ANZAC Day match’s legacy extends beyond just the AFL, as the National Rugby League (NRL) has seen the Sydney Roosters and St. George Illawarra Dragons face off on ANZAC Day since 2002. In Western Australia, the Len Hall Tribute Game, named in honour of the state’s last Gallipoli veteran, has been held on ANZAC Day since 1996 as a featured match.

Over time, the broadcasting rights for the match have changed hands, with the Seven Network regaining the rights in 2012 after stints with the Nine Network and Network Ten.

Despite its humble beginnings, the ANZAC Day match has grown into an iconic AFL tradition, uniting the nation in remembrance and appreciation for those who have served their country. As the years go by, the match’s significance and popularity only seem to grow, solidifying its place as a vital part of Australian sporting culture.

Because these teams meet again in Round 24, you can get in early and book Essendon v Collingwood Medallion Club tickets or AFL Corporate Box tickets.