As 2013 dawns we take a look at the things to look forward to for Essendon fans this year, today we preview the ANZAC Day clash.

In round five this year the biggest AFL match outside of the Grand Final will take place at the MCG when Essendon and Collingwood do battle on ANZAC Day.

Since being first played in 1995 at the MCG the match has lived up to its blockbuster status.

That inaugural clash was a see sawing battle, wit 94,825 fans witnessing an encounter that ended in the scores locked on 111 a piece.

The crowd remains the second highest home and away crowd in AFL/VFL history surpassed only by the Collingwood – Melbourne Queens Birthday clash in 1958.

After losing by just one point in last year’s clash the Bombers will be looking to get their first win on the big stage since 2009.

Current Essendon coach James Hird has won the ANZAC Day medal for best on ground on three occasions with Paddy Ryder the last Bomber to win it in 2009.

Four players have represented both sides on ANZAC Day with Andrew Ukovic, Scott Cummings, Blake Caracella and Mal Michael wearing both colours in this blockbuster clash.

Essendon veteran Dustin Fletcher has played the most ANZAC Day games with 16 and will once again lead the Bombers onto the MCG in this year’s affair.