Since unveiling the first-ever Anzac Day clash in 1995, Collingwood and Essendon have had several thrilling encounters. Tuesday afternoon's clash will be no different.

There is a slight twist in what to expect, with Essendon riding momentum after the opening month under new coach Brad Scott, sitting 4-1, likewise Collingwood. It marks the first time the teams sit in the top four heading into an Anzac Day contest since 2000.

Last Saturday, the Bombers were super impressive against premiership favourites Melbourne, with ruckmen Sam Draper and Andrew Phillips playing pivotal roles in a 27-point win.

Even without their two key forwards, Peter Wright and Sam Weideman, Essendon found different avenues to generate goals, with nine players hitting the scoreboard. This Bombers outfit in the early going is a vastly different one that meekly limped to the finish line in a disappointing 2022 campaign.

Collingwood, they have hit the ground running despite their depleted ruck stocks. The Magpies' backline took another hit with defender Nathan Murphy missing after being concussed from an incident involving St Kilda's Anthony Caminiti, while Taylor Adams unsuccessfully challenged his one-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Seb Ross.

In arguably the most eagerly-anticipated clash in years, both sides will be going tooth and nail in front of a crowd of over 90,000.

As part of the lead-up, here are five close Anzac Day matches from the last 20 years.

4. 2019 - Collingwood prevails in front of the third-largest Anzac Day crowd

In a tight, unrelenting contest, Collingwood prevailed by four points. For one and a half quarters, it was all black and white, dominating at ground level and opening up a 29-point lead.

Joe Daniher sprung Essendon into action, kicking two goals near half-time, and one early in the third to prize his side back into the match.

The pressure decibels intensified in the second half, with the teams throwing themselves into every contested situation. In the final term, the Bombers were on the end of some dubious non-free kicks, including a controversial push in the back call against Jordan Ridley on Callum Brown.

Seconds before, the Bombers were stiff not to receive a free kick in their defensive 50 after Matt Guelfi's brilliant tackle on Jaidyn Stephenson.ย 

Scott Pendlebury went on to win the Anzac Day Medal with a tremendous 38 possessions, including 16 contested. His awarding of the medal was received by a chorus of boos from the Bombers faithful, prompting Magpies coach Nathan Buckley to call out: "shame on anyone who booed a champion."