Football’s great tradition has been built on the foundation of great rivalries. These rivalries were established in football’s Victorian heartland and in a city that has Australian Rules Football pumping through its veins.
These games invariably produce moments in time that define players and clubs.
When the MCG falls silent on Anzac Day, there is arguably no more moving minute in world sport. Anzac Day and all it stands for provides a stirring backdrop to the fiercest of all football rivals – Essendon v Collingwood.
It is the day of the home and away season where two heavyweights own centre stage and go toe-to-toe in front of 100,000 fans at the MCG. It’s football theatre not to be missed.
It is 25-years since Essendon produced one of football’s most stunning comebacks against Hawthorn to claim the 1984 Premiership. The following year the Bombers demolished the Hawks.
Essendon and Carlton is another rivalry of epic proportions. More recently the Blues have hung their hat on a dramatic one-point preliminary final win in 1999. But Essendon fans won’t let them forget the 1993 Grand Final when a far more important prize was up for grabs and Michael Long inspired an unforgettable victory.
Carlton’s 2009 membership slogan says “They know we are coming”. Essendon lays in wait.
The Essendon v Richmond rivalry is another that stands tall and Kevin Sheedy’s return to Punt Road will add further intrigue in 2009. Come Round 17, 2009, seasons and careers could well be on the line.
These games capture the hearts and minds of football fans across the country. Supporters ride every bump and will their players to go the extra yard.
