SNAPSHOT OF THE 2023 AFL ANZAC DAY GAME:
RESULT: Collingwood 13.12 (90) defeated Essendon 11.11 (77)
KEY MOMENT: Essendon led by 28 at three-quarter-time. After Nathan Kreuger dobbed the primary main of the ultimate time period to place Collingwood inside 4 objectives, the scene was set. Enter Ash Johnson. The mercurial Magpie took possession exterior 50 on a good angle, wheeled round onto his proper boot and let fly with a monster aim. When it sailed via, Collingwood trailed by simply 15 and had been unexpectedly on the trail to a rare comeback.
THE STAR: Essendon opted to not tag Brownlow Medal favorite Nick Daicos and the younger gun racked up possessions from the get-go, albeit with out dominating early on. But the 20-year-old had flashes of brilliance and was stylish all through. With the sport on the road within the final quarter, Daicos stepped up. Craig McRae shifted the younger star right into a extra attacking midfield-forward position and he shone, booting two essential objectives. He completed with 40 disposals and 604 metres gained – and an Anzac Day Medal round his neck.
THE STAT: 95,179 – a file Anzac Day crowd packed the MCG for a traditional encounter
KEY QUOTE: “To the families of those serving and those veterans – too often your stories go untold. On behalf of the Collingwood Football Club, I just want to acknowledge the pain of war that runs through so many families throughout this country. So it’s a real honour for us to run out here and play our game in honour of you and your service.” – Collingwood skipper Darcy Moore backed up a powerful on-field efficiency with an aesthetic post-match speech.
INJURIES: Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood, eye), Jayden Laverde (Essendon, shoulder)
WHAT’S NEXT: Both groups face a good turnaround earlier than going through formidable opposition. Essendon must bounce again after they host reigning premiers Geelong at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, whereas Collingwood head to Adelaide to tackle the resurgent Crows the identical day.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
