Anzac Day is almost upon us and for Essendon supporters that means a visit to the MCG for the now traditional clash against Collingwood. This year Anzac Day takes on greater significance in not just remembering those Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice in two World Wars but also our fellow citizens who recently served with the coalition forces in Iraq.

Here is a little known fact. A fund raising match was organized at the end of the 1942 football season between the VFL premiers and an armed services side made up of footballers serving in military forces. As Essendon was the premiers they were the participants in the game played at Princes Park.

The match had all the pomp and ceremony that you would expect. In attendance was the Victorian governor, VFL vice president and many high-ranking members of the Armed services. The players were introduced to dignitaries before the game commenced and then observed both the Australian and American national anthems.

So the game commenced and judging by the scores it was a high scoring and entertaining affair. Best on ground was Dick Reynolds who kicked 8 goals. Also amongst Essendon’s best were Ted Leehane, Ern Coward and Jack Caesar.

All in all 10000 spectators attended the morale-boosting match. The match raised 550 pounds from admission charges and proceeds from the sale of The Football Record. Essendon was presented a VFL Cup for its efforts.

The Essendon side that played that day was the same as the one that won the Premiership bar for one omission – Wally Buttsworth. Ray Powell replaced Buttsworth. The side was:

Backs: Duffy Plummer Cec Ruddell Percy Bushby
Half backs: Bob Flanigan Alan Hird Sid Silk
Centres: Ern Coward Laurie Dearle Jack Caesar
Half forwards: Bill Hutchinson Gordon Lane Gordon Abbott
Forwards: Murray Exelby Ted Leehane Tom Reynolds
Rucks: Jack Cassin Hugh Torney Dick Reynolds[c]
Reserve: Ray Powell

The Armed Services side was:

Backs: George Bailey (Carl.) Norm Hillard (Fitz.) Ron Bywater (South Melb.)
Half backs: George Smeaton (Rich.) Jack Mueller (Melb.) Ollie Grieve (Carl.)
Centres: Jim Thoms (Foots.) Les Hanley (StK.) Harold Traynor (South.)
Half Forwards: Sam Loxton (StK.) Ron Todd (VFA) Bob Pratt (VFA)
Forwards: Bill Morris (Rich.) Laurie Nash (VFA) Eric Huppatz (Foots.)
Rucks: Frank Curcio [c] (Fitz.) Clarrie Shields (Foots.) Alby Pannam (Coll.)
Reserve: Alf Sampson (Foots.)

Ron Todd was playing for Williamstown but originally played for Collingwood. Bob Pratt was playing for Coburg but originally played for South Melbourne. Laurie Nash was playing for Camberwell but originally played for South Melbourne.

The final scores were: Essendon 24.18 (162) defeated the Armed Services 20.15 (135). Goalkickers: Dick Reynolds 8, Ted Leehane 7, Tom Reynolds 4, Gordon Lane 2, Bill Hutchinson 2 and Murray Exelby 1. Armed Services: Ron Todd 4, Alby Pannam 4, Bob Pratt 3, Eric Huppatz 2, Les Hanley 2 and Clarrie Shields 1.

Thanks to David Rosta for this story.