Collingwood captain Darcy Moore delivered a moving and impactful post-match speech on Anzac Day, highlighting the significance of the day and the vital support provided by the Anzac Appeal to returned servicemen and women. Moore’s leadership qualities were evident both on and off the field, with his team’s resilience and his heartfelt words resonating with fans and earning praise from both Collingwood and rival supporters.
Collingwood star Jamie Elliott has etched his name into AFL history with an extraordinary mark over Essendon’s Ben McKay on Anzac Day. The high-flying forward soared to unimaginable heights, leaving commentators and fans in awe. Widely regarded as a contender for Mark of the Year, Elliott’s incredible feat occurred in the same pocket where he famously kicked a match-winning goal against the Bombers in 2021.
In a thrilling Anzac Day clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Collingwood and Essendon played out an epic draw, the second time the teams have drawn on this significant day. The game was a seesaw battle, with both teams having chances to snatch a late win in the final minute. Essendon forward Kyle Langford missed a potential game-winning shot, while Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott dropped a simple mark that would have given him a chance to seal the match. Zach Merrett, Essendon’s Anzac Day medalist, expressed confidence in Langford’s ability to kick the goal. Despite the missed opportunities, the game was highly entertaining, with Langford and Elliott among the standout performers. Collingwood’s Darcy Moore praised his team’s resilience, while Scott Pendlebury became the first VFL/AFL player to reach 10,000 career possessions.
Despite the significance of Anzac Day, some Australians opted to wait in long lines at pubs instead of attending dawn services to commemorate the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Social media captured the extensive queues outside establishments in Sydney, with some reaching capacity and forcing closures. The behavior drew criticism from those who emphasized the day’s true purpose of remembrance and reflection. Amidst the revelry, officials and veterans stressed the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by those who served and died in conflicts.
Jamie Elliott is leading the race for the AFL Mark of the Year award after an astonishing grab on Anzac Day. The high-flyer jumped over 202cm Ben McKay in the third quarter to secure one of the most remarkable marks in recent memory. Elliott rode the tall defender’s shoulders and calmly converted the set shot goal.
Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, has honored Australians and New Zealanders who lost their lives in war during a poignant dawn service on Anzac Day. The Duke laid a wreath at Hyde Park Corner in London, where war memorials for both countries are located. On behalf of King Charles, he will later lay a wreath at the Centopath and attend the Gallipoli Association’s annual wreath-laying ceremony in St Paul’s Cathedral. Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli landings in the First World War, a significant day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand. Thousands of Anzac troops from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps died alongside British allies in the ill-fated 1915 campaign.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae was overcome with emotion after witnessing the spine-tingling pre-match Anzac Day ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). McRae, who was coaching at AFL level on Anzac Day for the third time, spoke to Channel 7 after the ceremony and struggled to hold back tears as he described the significance of the day for him and his players. The 50-year-old coach said it was an incredible privilege to be a part of the day and expressed his gratitude to all those who have been affected by war.
The traditional ANZAC Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon marks the 29th time these two clubs have faced off on this significant day. This year’s match is expected to be played in cool and cloudy conditions, with a slight chance of rain. Despite the potential weather, the game is expected to be played with intensity and skill, as both teams have a rich history on ANZAC Day.
Thousands of Australians have attended Anzac Day marches across the country to commemorate the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. The marches were held in major cities and towns across Australia, with the largest march taking place in Sydney. The marchers paused at war memorials to lay wreaths and pay their respects to the fallen. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, and is held on April 25th each year.
In his Anzac Day dawn service address, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the significant contributions made by Papua New Guinea during World War II.
