3 minute read

A snapshot of Collingwood's four-point victory over Essendon in the Anzac Day game at the MCG.

SNAPSHOT OF THE 2019 AFL ANZAC DAY GAME:

* Result: Collingwood 10.13 (73) bt Essendon 10.9 (69) in front of 92,241 fans at the MCG.

* Key moment: In a pulsating finish to the game, the desperate Bombers kept pressing but just couldn't break through. Then with a minute left on the clock, rookie defender Jordan Ridley gave away a push in the back free kick on Callum Brown. Brown's set shot drifted across for a behind but having taken 30 seconds off the clock, the young Magpie had done enough.

* The star: It could have gone to any number of players from both teams but Scott Pendlebury claimed a record-equalling third Anzac Medal. The Magpies skipper was damaging all day and racked up 38 disposals, seven marks, six tackles and four inside-50s.

* Key quote: "Shame on anyone that booed a champion." - Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley in the post-game presentation after Pendlebury was announced as the Anzac Medal winner to a chorus of boos from furious Essendon fans, who had earlier directed their ire at the umpires.

* Tribunal watch: Neither team should have anything to worry about with no obvious incidents for match review officer Michael Christian to run the rule over.

* Injuries: Essendon forward Orazio Fantasia was a late withdrawal after failing to overcome an illness. Midfielder Devon Smith spent time in the rooms during the third quarter and re-emerged with his right knee heavily strapped before being wrapped in cotton wool in the final term. Collingwood big man Mason Cox also appeared to hurt his knee during the final term.

* What's next: The Magpies kick off round seven when they host Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium next Friday night. Essendon enjoy a long break before facing ladder-leaders Geelong at the MCG next Sunday.