AFL ANZAC Day

Essendon vs Collingwood have the biggest rivalry in AFL history, and the time has come again for the massive AFL ANZAC Day clash!

In 2025, the game will be held on April 25th at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), typically starting around 3pm.

2025 AFL ANZAC Day Essendon vs Collingwood Clash Game Tickets

Australia and New Zealand observe this event every year, and it is marked by a public holiday. The Australian Government and all members of the public honour past and serving members on this prestigious day.

In honour of this special day, the AFL hosted the first ANZAC Day clash in 1995, with two of the biggest teams in the AFL competing, the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies. Each year, the stadium packs out with over 90,000 supporters for this huge match, and the spirit of the ANZACS is celebrated by two rival teams coming together in solidarity.

Before the match commences, a special ANZAC Day service will include music from servicemen and women, a flag-flying ceremony, the “Last Post,” and the Australian National Anthem.

After the match, a best-on-the-ground medal is awarded to the player who demonstrated the ANZAC spirit during the game of skill, courage, self-sacrifice, teamwork and fair play.

Getting to the ‘G

During the 2025 AFL Premiership Season, the MCG entry process may take longer than usual. To ensure you are inside the MCG in time for the match start, arrive early and leave plenty of time for the entry process.

We advise patrons to arrive early at the MCG to ease congestion on the roads, the public transport network, and at the Gate.

Public transport
The MCG is easily accessible via public transport, including major train and tram lines.

Car parking
When operational, public parking in Yarra Park is available for $15, payable by EFTPOS only. Please note that they longer accept cash, and vehicles unable to pay via card will unfortunately not be allowed entry to Yarra Park. Before beginning your journey to the MCG, please check the car parking schedule below to ensure parking is available.

Patrons should allow plenty of time to arrive and park to ensure you are inside the ground for the match start. Queues to enter Yarra Park parking gates are likely.

Car parking in Yarra Park is subject to capacity. We advise that you arrive early to secure your park, as capacity may be reached before the start of the match. Vehicles arriving at Yarra Park gates once capacity is reached will be advised to use city car parks.

Entry to the Yarra Park car park will close at quarter time, unless capacity is reached before this time.

Following an event at the MCG, selected car parking gates will be held post-match to allow for safe egress from the MCG. Gate 3 and Gate 7 will be held for approximately 30 minutes post-match due to road closures and to allow for safe patron egress from the MCG.

On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available around Fitzroy Gardens, the Botanical Gardens, and the Yarra River.

The G-Train Mobility Shuttle Service
The MCG Mobility Shuttle Service, the ‘G-Trains,’ will operate throughout public events held at the MCG.

The service is free and accessible to patrons with mobility challenges. The G-Train also features vehicles with wheelchair-friendly access.

Pre-booking is not required; wait at a designated pick up point for the next available buggy. The service has pick up points from the following locations:

• Richmond Station
• Jolimont Station
• Accessible Parking Area

Wait times are expected to be around 8-10 minute intervals; The G-Train will be in operation from two hours before MCG events until the end of the first quarter (AFL), recommencing after the match until 30 minutes post-event.

Accessibility Drop Off
Patrons with accessibility needs can arrange to be dropped off by taxi (or a private vehicle with a disability parking permit) at the bus turning circle (corner of Jolimont St and Jolimont Tce).

Please note: Vehicles without a disability parking permit, including pre-booked Ubers, will not be permitted to enter the bus turning circle.

Public Drop Off
All other patrons and vehicles without disability parking permits are advised to use Clarendon St (near the Pullman Hotel) for taxi, ride-share, or private vehicle drop-off and pick-up.

Road closures
Road closures around the MCG may be in place at high-traffic times during events at the MCG. Cars may also be held in the car park for a short time after the match. Roads that may be subject to road closures include Brunton Avenue, Jolimont Street, Jolimont Terrace and Wellington Parade.

Conditions of Entry

For the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all patrons, staff and event participants, the following items are not permitted into the MCG:

• Alcohol
• Opened plastic soft drink containers
• Cans/glass
• Torn-up paper
• Musical instruments
• Whistles
• Flags with handles exceeding 1.6 metres
• Fireworks/flares/laser lights
• Chairs/stools
• Drones
• Rollerblades, skateboards or scooters
• Animals (assistance animals excepted)
• Audio recording equipment/video cameras* and radio scanners
• Any large article that cannot be placed under a seat
• Any device or object that in the opinion of management has the potential to cause injury or public nuisance.
• The carriage and operation of drones (or any such aircraft) is prohibited

  *Audio visual equipment may be permitted for those parents whose children participate in the Auskick/Little League competition.

Please note: Patrons are not permitted to collect bottles, cans or containers, whether for the Container Deposit Scheme or otherwise without the written permission of the MCC.