Collingwood took the honours in the traditional Anzac Day blockbuster, with a strong finish as they defeated Essendon, in the driving rain at the MCG, by 41 points.
The crowd of 92,044 observed an impeccable silence during a spine-tingling ceremony that included a motorcade, the New Zealand/Australian national anthems, playing of the Last Post, before six fighter jets then roared overhead in formation.
Forward Jamie ‘Billy’ Elliott booted five majors, for the first ever time against the Bombers, which included bringing up his 300th goal in the black and white guernsey.
An unfortunate incident, during the third quarter, saw the communication system between the coaches’ box and the benches go down. This led to AFL footy boss Laura Kane having to give rare approval for the use of mobile phones as a backup.
Veteran Steele Sidebottom (pictured above) won his second prestigious Anzac Day medal with a real stand-out performance and played a big part in the Magpies getting the job done.
Anzac Day Eve clash
The previous evening, in the Anzac Day Eve clash, Melbourne rediscovered some of their old form, particularly in the third, as they got the chocolates against Richmond.
Having struggled so far this season, the Demons were able to flick the switch for a period, which proved pivotal to get them firmly in the ascendency and record a season-high 124 marks – although more evidence will be needed, things are turning.
Ruckman and captain Max Gawn (pictured above) collected his second successive Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes Medal, for a best on ground display, as he amassed an impressive 34 hit outs, 25 disposals, twelve score involvements, nine marks and six clearances.
Coach Simon Goodwin lauded the 33-year-old in his presser, saying, “You’re seeing one of the best in the game go about his craft. He is an extraordinary leader.”
Doggies make a statement
James Harmes made the most of his recall to the Western Bulldogs side by kicking an equal career-high four majors in the success over Greater Western Sydney.
In what proved to be a real game of two halves, the Doggies stepped it up after the half-time interval with a dominant second half showing and finished in style.
It was a big night for 19-year-old defender Jedd Busslinger (pictured above) as he finally got to make his long-awaited debut, having been in impressive form in the VFL with Footscray.
Certainly couldn’t have been given a much bigger task than having to play his part in keeping 2024 Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan quiet, but he came through it well.
Twin towers stand tall in Blues victory
The potent twin towers of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay combined for six goals as Carlton continues to breathe life into their season after defeating Geelong.
A shocking zip-four start had Blues fans worried, but they have since seen their players manage to turn things around, by winning the next three, with this one being the most significant, and it will certainly put the rest of the competition on notice.
This encounter saw the anticipated battle of the De Koning brothers, with Tom (pictured above, right) getting one over his younger brother Sam (pictured above, left) – the 25-year-old ruckman had an inspired game with 39 hit-outs, five clearances, three tackles, two marks and iced it with a goal.
AFL Life Membership for ‘The Magican’
Reigning Premiers Brisbane produced an excellent four-quarter effort, increasing their lead at every change, as they proved far too strong for a below-par St.Kilda.
Two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale was in inspired form, playing a significant part in the result, as midfielder Callum Ah Chee lined up for his 150th AFL appearance.
This fixture also saw former captain Dayne Zorko (pictured above), nicknamed ‘The Magican’, qualify for AFL Life Membership. He is arguably one of the best players to have ever come out of Queensland, having come through the ranks with Broadbeach in the NEAFL.
For the third consecutive week, the Saints were defensively poor in conceding over 100 points; something that a Ross Lyon-coached side hasn’t done since 2017.
Rising Suns
Gold Coast produced a stunning comeback, which included a run of twelve majors in a row, to run right over the top of Sydney at a sun-drenched People First Stadium.
Ben King (pictured below), the club’s leading goalkicker for the last four seasons, helped himself to a bag of five, which moved him to the top of this year’s Coleman Medallist table.
In contrast, worrying signs for the Swans, who completely capitulated in the second half, after opening so well. The only bright note, on an otherwise dirty day, was the move to play Nick Blakey forward as he returned a career-high three snags.
Len Hall Tribute Game
Fremantle put the disappointment of last week firmly behind them with the perfect response and a hard-fought win over Adelaide in the annual Len Hall Tribute Game.
They got off to a fast start, posting their best opening term score of the season so far, which laid the foundation for them to lead for the rest of the encounter.
All-Australian Andrew Brayshaw (pictured above) was the inaugural recipient of the Arthur Leggett Medal, to add to his growing career highlights, with a dominant performance in the midfield – game-high 37 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and four marks.
Butters wins Peter Badcoe VC Medal
Port Adelaide made it three triumphs on the spin, although they were certainly made to work for it and had to hold out against a much-improved North Melbourne outfit.
Indeed, the Kangaroos came hard in the latter stages, showing plenty of fight, but some poor errors let them down before succumbing to a nine-point defeat.
There was plenty of needle in this one with Power midfielder Jason Horne-Francis, the No.1 draft pick in 2021, lining up against his former club, which led to a few flash points and coach Ken Hinkley having to pull him to one side during the interval.
Zak Butters won the first Peter Badcoe VC Medal of his career, polling 13 out of a possible 15 votes from a panel made up of five journalists and media personalities.
Hawks too strong for Eagles
Closing out the latest round of action saw Hawthorn return to the winners’ list, following a couple of losses, with a comfortable 50-point success over West Coast.
It could have been a bigger margin had they kicked a bit more accurately – Jack Ginnivan (pictured below) marked his return to the line-up, having been dropped for the last two games and sent back to the VFL; he was amongst eleven players on the scoresheet.
However, it came at a bit of a cost with both Jack Scrimshaw and Karl Amon failing head injury assessments and being forced off with concussion. This means that they will now enter the protocols, which automatically rule them out for next weekend.
Anzac Day Appeal Round Results
Melbourne 12.11 (83)
Richmond 9.9 (63)
Collingwood 16.11 (107)
Essendon 10.6 (66)
Fremantle 12.13 (85)
Adelaide 9.13 (67)
St.Kilda 11.7 (73)
Brisbane 17.16 (118)
Port Adelaide 14.13 (97)
North Melbourne 13.10 (88)
GWS 11.8 (81)
Western Bulldogs 17.11 (113)
Gold Coast 17.15 (117)
Sydney 12.7 (79)
Carlton 14.10 (94)
Geelong 12.4 (76)
Hawthorn 18.16 (124)
West Coast 11.8 (74)
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