I think Collingwood and Essendon deserve credit for making the day what it is. That said, the only argument that gets put forward for restricting the match to Collingwood and Essendon is the size of the crowd. The basic flaw in this argument is that teams apart from Collingwood and Essendon fill the MCG every year at the Grand Final, usually at least one preliminary final and sometimes once or twice at other matches.

If the match were to be played between the grand finalists from the previous year, it is realistic to expect a similar size crowd. Firsly, this is because the number of neutrals attending would increase owing to the fact that the match would probably be closer, of a higher standard and would be more of an 'event' as opposed to an Essendon V Collingwood match. Secondly, the crowd would be of a similar size because supporters of the competing clubs would know that it may be a generation before they get the opportunity to play on ANZAC day again. The desperation to see you club play on ANZAC day would be reminiscent to seeing them play in the Grand Final.

The obvious flaw in my argument is when interstate teams are in the Grand Final. To this, I would say that if an interstate team wins the premiership, they should have the right to host the match. Do we really think the occasion wouldn't achieve its purpose (honouring the diggers) if it were held in front of 50,000 at Subiaco, instead of 100,000 at the MCG?

As I've said above, Collingwood and Essendon deserve credit for what they've done, but not only is it unbecoming to suggest that a club can't pay homage to the diggers if it can't fill the MCG, it's incorrect.

'old dee', if you or others can't see how the Pies and Bombers build the attraction to supporters via these types of events, then we are doomed. It is a massive advantage to use such an occaision of the ANZACs to foster their 'brand', and attract members, sponsors, and huge financial advatage. to the detriment of the rest, unbalancing the local state balance.

It is not right tthat other players of other teams cannot participate in this eclusive event.

I like the concept and I think it is "Australian", to do, but really, my dad did not go to fight in the hills of New Guinea, and get hit by a shell, for exclusiveness like this.

My Uncles who went in behind enemy lines in Sth East Asia, did not fight for Elitists to take control in such a way. They fought for their country, one of equality and fairness, one that gave a mate a helping hand.

We have our day it is on Queens birthday holiday.

Lets make that the "big" event it used to be.

We are probably only going to get one so lets make the one we have as big as we can.

I think we all belittle the day by arguing about our relatives how served this country.

I only raised the subject of "sacrifice" because I don't think it is apporiate to include that ellement in our discussion.

Arguing over the pies and bombers on Anzac day will achieve nothing.

We all no the AFL is not fair.

So lets worry about next Thursday that is something the MFC can have an effect on.

State of Origin is an VFL/AFL idea. It came about as we kept taking all the good players from interstate, then we used them against their birth states to thrash those states. It all got a bit tasteless as well. So State of Origin concept was born.

The NRL copied our concept, as they have many.

Actually, was a WAFL idea. Subiaco FC came up with it for the reason you outlined.

Football on ANZAC day was started by, and popularised by, Collingwood and Essendon. They made the game, and as far as I'm concerned, they are the ones who should be playing it.

Just on your first line TU Collingwood & Essendon did not start start ANZAC day Football, it has had a game played on Anzac day since at least 1960 when i think Melkbourne & St.kilda played a few games. I diistinctly remember going to Anzac day '72 as we lost to Richmond by 5 points and as a 9 year old i was GUTTED (back when the Tigers were Top Line).

What the Filth & Bombers have done with ANZAC Day i have no problem with, but they certainly did not start the tradition of playing on April 25th.