SNAPSHOT OF THE 2023 AFL ANZAC DAY GAME:

RESULT: Collingwood 13.12 (90) defeated Essendon 11.11 (77)

KEY MOMENT: Essendon led by 28 at three-quarter-time. After Nathan Kreuger dobbed the first major of the final term to put Collingwood within four goals, the scene was set. Enter Ash Johnson. The mercurial Magpie took possession outside 50 on a tight angle, wheeled around onto his right boot and let fly with a monster goal. When it sailed through, Collingwood trailed by just 15 and were all of a sudden on the path to an extraordinary comeback.

THE STAR: Essendon opted not to tag Brownlow Medal favourite Nick Daicos and the young gun racked up possessions from the get-go, albeit without dominating early on. But the 20-year-old had flashes of brilliance and was classy throughout. With the game on the line in the last quarter, Daicos stepped up. Craig McRae shifted the young star into a more attacking midfield-forward role and he shone, booting two crucial goals. He finished with 40 disposals and 604 metres gained - and an Anzac Day Medal around his neck.

THE STAT: 95,179 - a record Anzac Day crowd packed the MCG for a classic encounter

KEY QUOTE: "To the families of those serving and those veterans - too often your stories go untold. On behalf of the Collingwood Football Club, I just want to acknowledge the pain of war that runs through so many families throughout this country. So it's a real honour for us to run out here and play our game in honour of you and your service." - Collingwood skipper Darcy Moore backed up an impressive on-field performance with a classy post-match speech.

INJURIES: Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood, eye), Jayden Laverde (Essendon, shoulder)

WHAT'S NEXT: Both teams face a tight turnaround before facing formidable opposition. Essendon have to bounce back when they host reigning premiers Geelong at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, while Collingwood head to Adelaide to take on the resurgent Crows the same day.