A record breaking crowd were entertained by a thrilling ANZAC Day clash between historical rivals Collingwood and Essendon.
The crowd of 78,113 was the highest number to attend a sporting event since the COVID pandemic began last March and they saw Essendon ultimately run out 109-85 winners over the Magpies.
Darcy Parish was prolific for the Dons with 42 touches, two goals and the Anzac Day medal while Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was electric up forward with five goals.
Scott Pendlebury again lived up to his big game reputation with 30 touches for the losing side while Brodie Grundy worked hard for his 19 disposals and 40 hit outs.
The loss plummets Nathan Buckley’s side to a 1-5 record while the Bombers now sit at 2-4 after six rounds.
Luckless Essendon defender Aaron Francis went down with an ankle injury and was replaced by David Zaharakis while Collingwood medical sub Tyler Brown went unused.
Here’s everything you need to know!
Darcy Parish is flourishing into a genuine star
Darcy Parish enjoying a breakout 2021 season.
His last month of football has produced 34, 25, 26 and 42 disposals while his impact on games has significantly increased.
The 23-year-old became only the second player in the blockbuster clash's history to win over 40 disposals alongside Dane Swan who had 42 touches in 2012.
Parish kicked the first goal of the day for the Dons after Collingwood shot out to an early three-goal lead and was dominant throughout.
His major in the final term all but sealed the game for Essendon and guaranteed him best afield honours.
Quick summary of Darcy Parish's day in one highlight 👇#AFLPiesDons pic.twitter.com/dHAr7LrpVj
— AFL (@AFL) April 25, 2021
The former No. 5 draft pick has yet to live up to his early selection but if his last month of football is a sign of things to come he will soon change that narrative.
Collingwood’s lack of depth is worrying
Collingwood’s must publicised off-season has come back to hurt the club after several key players have succumbed to injury in recent weeks.
The club’s lack of depth was on show as Essendon’s midfielders did as they pleased throughout with Taylor Adams, Jordan De Goey, Levi Greenwood and Jamie Elliott out of Nathan Buckley’s midfield rotation.
Adam Treloar and Tom Phillips were crucial in boosting the Pies possession numbers and a lack of x-factor in front of the ball has been exposed through Jaidyn Stephenson’s loss.
At best this Collingwood side is a middle of the road team and with inexperienced youngsters replacing proven stars they’re proving a bottom four outfit at the moment.
What’s next?
In Round 7 Collingwood host the Suns at the MCG while Essendon face traditional rivals Carlton at the same venue on Sunday.
FULL SCORE
Collingwood: 4.1, 8.1, 11.5, 13.7. (85)
Essendon: 4.4, 8.7, 11.10, 16.13. (109)
GOALS
Collingwood: Cameron 3, McCreery 3, Mihocek, Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, C. Brown, Crisp, Moore, Ruscoe
Essendon: McDonald-Tipungwuti 5, Snelling 2, Parish 2, Wright 2, Stringer, Laverde, Phillips, Redman, Smith
BEST
Collingwood: Jack Crisp, Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Darcy Cameron
Essendon: Darcy Parish, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Dyson Heppell, Jake Stringer, Peter Wright, Jayden Laverde