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.
2. 2012 - Jarryd Blair pips the Bombers
After overwhelming Anzac Day results (2010, 2011) in Collingwood's favour, this encounter would be one of the heavily fought clashes.
A crowd of 86,932 were on hand to witness a contest where neither side led by more than three goals. The Bombers and Magpies didn't take a backwards step in the physicality stakes as the contest reached an exciting conclusion.
Come the final term, Essendon began to get their running game going with goalsneak Alwyn Davey booting two critical majors. The Bombers' relentless pressure finally put them ahead, with the dependable Brent Stanton snapping home a major with two minutes remaining to put his side in front. All 36 tired and battered players put their bodies on the line in the dying stages, before the diminutive Jarryd Blair - the last man behind the pack - soccered home a goal, giving Collingwood back the lead.
Essendon would get two final cracks with Stewart Crameri dropping a tough contested mark in the forward 50, and the team failing to capitalise on David Zaharakis' tackle on Kirk Ugle near the Magpies' defensive 50.
Ultimately, Collingwood prevailed by the narrowest of margins, marking to this day the closest margin since the inaugural Anzac Day clash in 1995.
Dane Swan was rewarded for his scintillating performance by collecting the Anzac Day Medal, amassing 42 disposals, along with three goals, and 13 clearances.
