It was a tense, tight affair with Collingwood holding on to beat Essendon by four points.
The Pies led by 23 points at quarter time, but the Bombers reeled the 2018 Grand Finalists back in over the next 90 minutes.
The final quarter only saw three goals - two to Essendon, and one to Collingwood. It was enough to hold off the fast-running Bombers, who dominated play for most of the second half.
It was a match filled with highlights, as marking forward Will Hoskin-Elliott took one screamer and almost had a second. Big man Joe Daniher played a fantastic game, clunking huge grabs and kicking 4 goals, each more crucial than the last.
Key forwards shouldn't be able to sell candy and finish like this!
— AFL (@AFL) April 25, 2019
Joe Daniher's got four!#AFLDonsPies pic.twitter.com/JIrbE9vyjI
The Man: Pendlebury takes home third ANZAC Medal
The ANZAC Medal was awarded to Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury, whose cool head under pressure held the Magpies together across the entire ground.
His 38 disposals, 7 tackles and 6 marks were important in stemming the Bombers tide, a tide that threatened to drown the Magpies at times.
Scott Pendlebury has won his third Anzac Day Medal.#AFLDonsPies pic.twitter.com/gvRz4maRAD
— AFL (@AFL) April 25, 2019
The Medical Room: Big and small hurt knees
Mason Cox suffered a knee complaint late in the match, and Devon Smith also appeared hampered by a knee injury.
What’s next?
Essendon will face Geelong in Round 7 at the MCG on Sunday week, and Collingwood will tackle the in-form Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Friday, May 3.
Full Score
Essendon: 1.0, 5.3, 8.6, 10.9 (69)
Collingwood: 4.5, 7., 9.9, 10.13 (73)
GOALS
Essendon: Daniher 4, Baguley 3, Stringer 2, Guelfi
Collingwood: Cox 2, De Goey 2, Mihocek, Thomas, Stephenson, Hoskin-Elliott, Adams, Sidebottom
BEST
Essendon: Shiel, Merrett, Hurley, Saad, Stringer, Daniher
Collingwood: Pendlebury, Grundy, Crisp, Howe, De Goey, Beams
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Cox (knee), Smith (knee)
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