ANZAC Day Ticket 2025

AFL ANZAC DAY TICKETS 2026

About

The modern version of the Anzac Day match was conceived by then Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy in the mid-1990s. Sheedy, who had served two years in the army after being drafted to Richmond in 1969, thought back to the success of the Collingwood–Richmond game in 1977, and considered how football on Anzac Day could pay suitable tribute to those who had served their country. Sheedy organised a meeting with officials from Essendon and Collingwood, and the then Victorian RSL President Bruce Ruxton, who was also a keen Collingwood supporter, and proposed his concept for a game which would honour the Anzac spirit. Despite their previous opposition to football on Anzac Day, Ruxton and the RSL agreed with Sheedy's proposal, as did the AFL.

The first modern Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon was played on Tuesday, 25 April 1995 at the MCG. The round-four match received limited publicity as there had previously been AFL matches played on 25 April. Essendon had won its first three games of the season; however, Collingwood were without a victory. Soon after the Anzac Day march in the city, patrons flocked to the ground. Crowds outside the ground were so substantial at 12.30pm, that Collingwood coach Leigh Matthews thought the gates to the ground must have still been locked. When the gates were closed at 1.30 pm – still 40 minutes before the start of the match – 20,000 additional people had to be dispersed by mounted police, while they attempted to gain admission into the stadium. Thousands of these people descended on nearby Fitzroy Gardens, where they listened to the match on radio.

Played on a sunny autumn day, both teams kicked six goals in the first quarter, before a three-goal-to-one second quarter helped Essendon lead by 16 points at half-time. However, the momentum swayed in the third quarter, when Collingwood kicked seven-goals-to-two, giving them a 14-point lead at the break. Essendon started strongly in the final term, and when James Hird snapped a goal late in the quarter, he gave his team a six-point advantage. Saverio "Sav" Rocca leapt and took "one of the marks of the year" in the forward-line soon after. At the 28-minute mark he capitalised by kicking the goal and levelling the scores. With just seconds left, Nathan Buckley had an opportunity to score; however, he elected to kick to Rocca, who was cut off. Seconds later, the siren sounded; both teams' score on 111. Roars from the 94,825 crowd during the match could easily be heard from a kilometre away, and the crowd remains the second-highest home and away crowd in VFL/AFL history, surpassed only by the 99,346 who attended the Collingwood–Melbourne Queen's Birthday clash in 1958.

Huge crowds turn out to see the annual Anzac Day Collingwood–Essendon game (2010) Today, this game is often considered the biggest match of the AFL season outside of the finals, sometimes drawing bigger crowds than all but the Grand Final, and often selling out in advance. As a point of comparison, in the National Rugby League, the Sydney Roosters and St. George Illawarra Dragons have played on Anzac Day since 2002, but generally without the increase in crowd numbers compared to other games as seen in the AFL. However, Anzac Day matches have been a regular part of the rugby league season for over 80 years.

In recent years, other clubs and some sections of the media have lobbied for the game to be shared amongst all clubs, not just Collingwood and Essendon. Since 1996, one year after the team's inception, Fremantle has held the Len Hall Tribute Game, named in honour of Western Australia's last Gallipoli veteran. This game is regularly held on Anzac Day as a Western Australian featured game. With Anzac Day falling on a Saturday in 2009, four games were scheduled for the day, yet the largest fixture (the MCG) continued to host Collingwood and Essendon at the exclusion of other clubs. Critics have argued that this fixture should be shared.

Anzac Medal

A best-on-ground player has been named for each of the Anzac Day clashes. Since 2000, the player in the match considered to best exemplify the Anzac spirit – skill, courage, self-sacrifice, teamwork and fair play – has been awarded the AFL Anzac Medal. This medal has been won three times by Collingwood champion and current captain Scott Pendlebury and retired Essendon star (and former Essendon coach) James Hird. In 2001, Collingwood's Chris Tarrant became the only player to have won the medal despite playing in the losing team. Before the start of the 2011 Anzac Day match, the AFL presented retrospective Anzac Medals to their intended recipients for all of the matches prior to the introduction of the medal in 2000.

Buy refundable resale tickets to watch the biggest game of the home & away season as traditional rivals Collingwood and Essendon do battle in the ANZAC Day 2026.

What is the significance of the ANZAC Day AFL match in Australian sports history?

Played annually on April 25 between Collingwood and Essendon, this blockbuster clash at the MCG honors the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women while delivering one of the most fiercely contested matches of the season.

Before the first bounce, over 90,000 fans fell into absolute silence for the Last Post.

The rivalry between Collingwood and Essendon, two of the league’s most storied clubs, adds another layer to the spectacle. From the famous draw in the inaugural 1995 match to unforgettable individual performances—like James Hird’s heroics or Dane Swan’s dominant displays—this game has consistently delivered iconic moments. Players know they’re stepping onto the field for more than just four points; they’re representing something bigger than the game itself.

Which teams traditionally compete in the ANZAC Day AFL match?

The ANZAC Day AFL match is traditionally played between Collingwood and Essendon every year on April 25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). These two powerhouse clubs first met in the inaugural ANZAC Day clash in 1995, and since then, it has become one of the most anticipated and significant fixtures on the AFL calendar.

How can I secure the best seats for the ANZAC Day match at the MCG in 2026?

You can secure your seats with Ticket Merchant today! Make sure you buy them today before they’re all sold out. 

Are there any pre-game ceremonies or events during the ANZAC Day match?

Before the first bounce, the stadium transitions from the usual footy buzz to an atmosphere of solemn reflection. The ceremony includes:

• March of Veterans – Past and present servicemen and women are acknowledged as they enter the field.
• Reading of the ANZAC Ode – The iconic words of the Ode of Remembrance, "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old…" are recited.
• The Last Post – A hauntingly beautiful bugle call plays across the stadium, bringing 90,000+ fans to complete silence.
• Minute of Silence, followed by the Australian and New Zealand national anthems. 
• Representatives from the AFL, Australian Defence Force, and RSL (Returned & Services League) place wreaths at the eternal flame, a symbolic tribute to those who served.

What makes the ANZAC Day AFL match a must-see experience for fans?

The ANZAC Day AFL match is an experience that stays with you. It’s about respect, rivalry, and raw emotion, where the game we love is played with a deeper purpose. Whether it’s a thrilling finish, a breakout performance, or just the sheer spectacle of it all, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never forget being at it! Get your tickets with Ticket Merchant today to make sure you don’t miss out. For more information, feel free to check out our comprehensive FAQ section.