One thing is for sure when it comes to ANZAC Day matches: nerves of steel are a must. Whether it’s the thrill of performing in arguably the biggest game of football outside of finals, or whether it’s maintaining composure with less than a kick difference and only minutes on the clock.
2019 was no different.2019: Essendon 10.9 (69) defeated by Collingwood 10.13 (73)
In typical ANZAC Day style, last year’s game was another nail-biter.A four point victory went the Magpies’ way in a final term that could have seen either team come out victorious.
It was a dominant opening half for the Magpies, who despite some inaccuracies were able to record a match-high 33 point lead in the middle of the second quarter.
As half-time loomed, three consecutive Bombers goals, two of which were from Joe Daniher, brought the margin back to just 15 at the main break.
For a team that trailed the entire match, Essendon’s never-say-die attitude sparked a resurgence in the third term. With just a nine point difference at three-quarter-time, it was anyone’s game to win.
Daniher sunk his fourth goal for the match with just minutes left, bringing the margin back to just three points – but it would be the final goal of the match, with Essendon narrowly short of reeling in the Magpies.
Scott Pendlebury was awarded a third ANZAC Day Medal for his efforts, equalling the record set by Essendon’s James Hird. Coach Nathan Buckley praised his captain and other leaders within the team for their strong on-field leadership skills.
“No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, I’ve got great faith and trust in the leaders on the field to set us up the way that we need to set up and to make the adjustments the way they need to be made,” Buckley said.
“So when you get in circumstances like [a close match], you don’t win them all – you don’t get on the right side of it all the time, but if you get enough things right you take a little more of the luck out of it and you give yourself a better chance.”
When looking back on the epic ANZAC Day matches over the last 25 years, one thing is apparent: regardless of ladder positions, scoreboard or recent successes, the matches are always intense.
Essendon legend Dustin Fletcher, who played in 18 of the 25 ANZAC Day matches, remembers the desire to perform on the big stage, none more so than ANZAC Day.
“The players know when ANZAC Day rolls around, you want to try and play your best football,” Fletcher said.
“[Regardless of ladder positions] you know it’s going to be a good game and a big game, and I think that adds to the afternoon as well.”
Buckley echoed a similar sentiment – with the occasion of ANZAC Day football bringing out the best in players.
“Because it’s a standalone occasion, what happened the weeks before is less relevant,” Buckley said.
“I think the other thing is that the viewers, the spectators and the crowd are looking across and they understand that this feels a little bit different to a normal game of footy – so that energy permeates around the ‘G and over the fence to the players as well.”
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