AFL: CRACKERJACK ANZAC DAY CLASH AWAITS

THE annual Anzac Day Clash between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG has grown into the biggest home and away event in the season.

Last year 95,179 packed into the MCG to watch the traditional rivals slog out the event which they have now done for almost 30 years.

It’s the pomp and pageantry plus the solemness of the occasion which has helped it to grow.

Both teams play the match as if it’s a Grand Final and that will be the case again on Thursday.

Collingwood clicked back into form in the second quarter when they ran all over Port Adelaide to win by 42 points despite being five goals down early in the match.

They were back to their brilliant best and on that display re-emerged as one of the best teams in the competition.

Bar one blow-out Essendon have also played good football. They hung tough to defeat Adelaide last Friday night.

They have lost their past four matches to Collingwood. Their last two Anzac Day losses have been by 11 and 13 points.

Collingwood is $1.45 favourite with PlayUp and Essendon is at $2.75.

The Bombers look over the odds and also their line of -13.5 points is also appealing,

The Anzac Day round begins on Wednesday night at the MCG when Melbourne play Richmond.

Manuka Oval will also host an Anzac Day night match when GWS play the Brisbane Lions.

The Lions are $1.85 and the Giants are $1.95.