In honour of the 100th anniversary of the first-ever football game played at the MCG on April 25 and the 30th anniversary of the ANZAC Day match between Collingwood and Essendon, the Australian Sports Museum (ASM), housed within the MCG, is pleased to open a new exhibition titled “A Centenary of ANZAC Day Football.”
As part of the exhibition that will run through the 2025 AFL Premiership Season, items from the Melbourne Cricket Club’s (MCC) archives are currently on display. Visitors can see a variety of meticulously preserved artefacts from the MCG’s very first match, which took place on April 25, 1925, between the Melbourne Football Club and one of the MCG’s tenant clubs.
Highlighting the unique origins of the first football match played at the ‘G on ANZAC Day, this exhibition also recognises the significance of the traditional ANZAC Day match between Essendon and Collingwood 30 years on from the inaugural fixture.
The exhibition also includes video interviews of Collingwood Football Club captain Darcy Moore and Essendon Football Club captain Zach Merrett, with both players sharing their experience of playing in this special match – a fixture revered for capturing the importance of the occasion, honouring the Australian service men and women who have fought for our country.
A Centenary of ANZAC Day football exhibition items include:
- Historical imagery and stories of the very first ‘ANZAC Day’ clash, featuring images from the Melbourne Football Club Archives.
- The very rare archival document that provided evidence that this game took place – a receipt of donation from the MCC to the RSL.
- Interviews with current-day Essendon and Collingwood players, Darcy Moore and Zach Merrett.
- The official 2025 ANZAC Guernseys to be worn by Essendon and Collingwood players.
A Centenary of ANZAC Day football exhibition details:
- Open: Monday April 14, 2025.
This exhibition will be open for the duration of the 2025 AFL Premiership Season. - Location: The Australian Sports Museum inside Gate 3 at the MCG.
- Plan your visit via the ASM website.
