Anzac Day AFL: Mick Malthouse on why blockbuster game should be rotated between clubs

He helped shape the Anzac Day blockbuster into what it is today. Now Mick Malthouse wants to see the annual tradition taken off Collingwood and Essendon.

Last year, due to COVID, there was no Anzac Day clash.

To pay tribute to the Australian and New Zealand troops who landed on the fateful shores of Gallipoli during the first world war, we stood in our driveways at sunrise and reflected on their sacrifice.

There was no Anzac medal awarded to the player who most represented the courage and determination of the men and women who went to war on our behalf.

Instead, the Round 5 clash between Collingwood and Essendon was played on July 3, in a straightforward Friday night game won by the Bombers.

HISTORY: MALTHOUSE, SHEEDY NAME GREATEST ANZAC DAY TEAMS

Imagine then, if the return of the Anzac Day clash was played between two teams who have earned the right to represent the AFL on such a significant date, in a game steeped in tradition and symbolism, its enormity only dwarfed by the Grand Final.

Richmond versus Geelong.

The two grand finalists from the previous year in a war of attrition. How apt for such an incredibly important occasion.

Last year proved how flexible the AFL can be, and how quickly we can adapt to change.

We have a floating fixture. New rules. New-look football departments.

Once upon a time we wouldn’t have dreamt about playing a game on Good Friday, now there are two matches played.

Mick Malthouse with his Collingwood players at the Shrine of Remembrance.

The Grand Final has for a long time been staged at the MCG on the final Saturday afternoon of September. Last season the AFL was forced to play it in Brisbane in October and chose to make it a night game.

This week the AFLW best and fairest award was televised nationally to a big audience.

There are currently 22 teams from around the country playing in the VFL, with the majority of games to be televised live.

So many changes. It’s called evolution.

The AFL prides itself on being inclusive and fair. But the fact that only a Collingwood or Essendon player can win the Anzac Medal each year has always been a sticking point for me. It feels like the significance of the award loses its shine when the field of contention has been so greatly narrowed.

You can only win the Norm Smith medal if you play in the Grand Final. Which makes it open to all, but only the best on the day will earn it.

Mick Malthouse and Nathan Buckley celebrate an Anzac Day win in 2002.

Until 1960 there wasn’t a VFL match played at all on Anzac Day. It took an act of Parliament to lift restrictions and allow league football to take place on such a sacred day in Australian history.

Between 1962 and 1967 the Anzac Day game was played between a Victorian and an “All Stars” team.

I was privileged and wonderfully lucky to coach the Magpies in 12 Anzac Day battles with the Bombers. They were such special, hard fought games, that they will always remain a highlight of my career.

But I also gained a new perspective in coaching Carlton against St Kilda in Wellington, New Zealand in an Anzac Day match to commemorate the centenary of the forming of the Anzac’s. That fixture has since been scrapped.

Essendon players stand during the Anzac ceremony in 2019.

The concept of the Essendon-Collingwood Anzac Day clash was introduced in 1995. It has grown so much over the years that many people attend the game more to honour the occasion then to barrack for the two clubs involved, such is the entwinement of Anzac Day and AFL football for Aussie rules fans.

Which does pose the question why these two teams have priority over such a culturally important date?

Open it up to all. Make clubs earn the right to play at the mecca of football on the second biggest day on the AFL calendar. Give the Anzac trophy and the Anzac medal even more relevance.

No one could have predicted that both Collingwood and Essendon would be 1 and 4 heading into this game.

Each club has shown promise but hasn’t delivered. After today’s game, one team will stay in the hunt for finals, and one will be left with little hope. The ramifications are enormous.

Both sides are dealing with injuries, though as John Longmire stated during the week when Lance Franklin was sidelined again, injuries have always been part of the game. You can’t dwell on them, or on bad luck. And today of all days is one in which to battle on.

Collingwood and Essendon players run through a joint banner in 2019.

The Magpies lacking Taylor Adams, still have Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury, and a ruckman like Brodie Grundy who can act like a midfielder or push forward and kick goals.

I’ve been looking forward to the clash between Grundy and the up-and-coming and highly talented Sam Draper for a while, but with his injury omission Grundy should have it all his own way today.

Without Michael Hurley the Bombers have lacked a rock in their backline, and Dylan Shiel’s absence gives Zach Merrett no option but to play a good game.

Though they’ve both been hot and cold the Magpies haven’t been thrashed. On the balance of form Collingwood has the edge over Essendon.

Mick Malthouse says grand finalists Richmond and Geelong should be playing on Anzac Day.

It’s interesting to note the differences in personnel for both teams compared to their last clash.

Adam Treloar had 30 possessions, now at the Bulldogs. Dylan Shiel 29 touches and a goal, out injured. Jordan De Goey 21 disposals, concussed. Jayden Stephenson 3 goals, at North Melbourne. Hurley 17, injured. Jordan Ridley a very good 18 possessions, out with concussion. Tom Phillips 17, now at Hawthorn.

Two new-look teams struggling to find consistency. On paper it’s hardly a blockbuster, but for this occasion they will rise. There is no doubt that today’s game will be a beauty.

I just can’t help wonder who will vie for the Anzac trophy next season.

Originally published as Anzac Day AFL: Mick Malthouse on why blockbuster game should be rotated between clubs