Anzac Day clash, Australian rules football match in Melbourne, Australia

The Anzac Day clash is an annual match between Collingwood and Essendon held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The contest ranks among Australia's biggest sporting events and draws tens of thousands of spectators each year.

The match was established in 1995 and has since become a permanent part of Australia's football calendar. The tradition links the sport with the national remembrance day held every April 25.

The match is deeply tied to Anzac Day, a national remembrance day for service members. Pre-game ceremonies create a solemn mood with honors and moments of silence that set this game apart from regular season matches.

The stadium fills quickly during this time of year, so advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended. Arriving early helps you find parking and avoid heavy crowds before the match starts.

The Anzac Day Medal has gone to the best-on-ground player after each Collingwood–Essendon match since the fixture began in 1995. The award honours the Anzac spirit of skill and courage, and the crowd of 94,825 at the first match in 1995 remains the third-highest home-and-away attendance in VFL/AFL history.