Bombers, Magpies play out thrilling Anzac Day draw

SNAPSHOT OF THE 2024 AFL ANZAC DAY GAME:

RESULT: Essendon 12.13 (85) drew with Collingwood 12.13 (85) in front of 93,644 fans at the MCG.

KEY MOMENT: Magpies forward Jamie Elliott looked for all money like breaking Bomber hearts again as a Nick Daicos pass headed into the forward pocket in the dying seconds of a gripping contest. But Elliott, who had taken a spectacular mark on Ben McKay’s shoulders during the third quarter, dropped his final marking attempt on the end of a desperate dive for the ball. Essendon cleared the danger to ensure the first draw between the two sides since the 1995 Anzac Day classic.

THE STAR: Essendon captain Zach Merrett was awarded the Anzac Day Medal after racking up 31 disposals, six clearances and 10 score involvements. Curiously, three of the five members on the voting panel gave Merrett a maximum three votes and another gave him two, while former Geelong captain Cameron Ling left the Bombers’ prolific midfielder out of his best three players on the ground.

THE STAT: Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury became the first AFL/VFL player to amass 10,000 career disposals, reaching the milestone late the first quarter against Essendon in his 390th game. The 36-year-old received the ball at half-back and feigned a left-handed handpass before hitting his target with the right, drawing applause from fans who were well aware of the record.

KEY QUOTE: “I normally go home and watch a replay with a red wine. I might have a white tonight.” – Craig McRae ponders the implications of his first draw in 58 games as Collingwood coach.

INJURIES: Harry Jones (Essendon, bloodied nose).

WHAT’S NEXT: Collingwood (3-3-1) face another big test against a traditional rival on the big stage, taking on high-flying Carlton at the MCG on Friday week. Essendon (4-2-1) travel to Perth for a tricky test against a revitalised West Coast at Optus Stadium.