Every year on April 25, Australians pause to honor those who served in wars, remembering the sacrifice of soldiers. Yet, on the AFL calendar, there’s another special tradition – the Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon. What began as a divisive event, sparked by differing opinions, has grown into an annual spectacle that showcases the power of sport to bring people together.
The inaugural Anzac Day game, held 80 years after the Gallipoli landings, was far from a polished affair. It was the mid-1990s, and the AFL was still finding its identity in the post-expansion era. The rivalry between Collingwood and Essendon was fierce, and while it fueled interest, it also had its critics. Would a public holiday clash be seen as a gimmick or a meaningful tribute to fallen soldiers?
It turns out, it was the latter. What some feared might be a shallow marketing ploy has become one of the most iconic matches of the AFL season. But the connection to the Anzac spirit wasn’t just in the game itself—it was woven into the lives of the players involved.
On that historic day, Collingwood’s Dermott Brereton was a player at the crossroads. By his own admission, he was no longer the fast-paced forward he once was, but the occasion demanded his presence. Brereton was a walking, talking piece of AFL folklore, known for his tough playing style and fiery temperament. On Anzac Day, he wasn’t just playing for his club; he was playing for something much bigger.
He wasn’t the only one with something to prove. Essendon’s Saverio Rocca, a talented but untested forward, had just been called up from the reserves. It was an audition, and he couldn’t afford to fail. Brereton took the young Rocca under his wing, offering guidance and encouragement throughout the game. Rocca, who had once been seen as a soft, well-mannered player, rose to the occasion, delivering one of his finest performances.
Rocca’s breakout game came at a time when the AFL was transitioning into the modern era. The game was no longer just about on-field prowess—it was about the spectacle, the pageantry, and the stories that emerged. This game was not just a football match. It was a celebration of Australian culture, of resilience, and of the spirit that the Anzac Day memorializes.
But it wasn’t just the younger players who made an impact. James Hird, Essendon’s captain and one of the most revered figures in AFL history, was also key. A civil engineering student, Hird wasn’t the stereotypical tough AFL player, but his on-field presence belied that. Before big games, he was known to worry, often struggling to sleep. However, on this Anzac Day, as the match entered its final moments, Hird did what he did best—he came alive. With the scores tied and just minutes remaining, he found a gap in the Collingwood defense and kicked a memorable goal, threading the needle in a way only he could. This moment would become one of the iconic highlights in Anzac Day football history.
The Anzac Day clash wasn’t just about football. It became a moment of reflection for many players and fans alike. It was an opportunity to honor those who fought in wars, to connect with the history of the nation, and to recognize the bonds that sport could create. Every year, as the players gather to face off in this fierce rivalry, they do so with a shared understanding that this game is something more than just a match. It’s a way of honoring the fallen and celebrating the resilience that defines the Australian spirit.
The match has grown in significance, with each passing year cementing its place as one of the AFL’s premier fixtures. Today, it stands as a testament to the ability of sport to bridge divides and unite a nation. What began with skepticism has become a central part of the AFL’s annual calendar, a symbol of how sport can transcend the boundaries of competition and become a powerful unifying force.
