As Australians celebrate Anzac Day on Saturday, major annual sporting events will be kicking off in Melbourne.

Anzac Day blockbuster at the MCG

One of the biggest events on the footballing calendar is upon us with Collingwood and Essendon facing off in the 31st annual Anzac Day fixture.

The Pies, who managed a stunning come from behind victory last week, are looking to add to their Anzac Day win tally. Since 1995, they have won 18 of the 30 matches played, with two draws.

Collingwood coach Craig Mcrae said his side are lucky to play on this day.

“I know it falls on a Saturday so there’s other games but still the opportunity to play on Anzac Day and standing there the last post and the emotion of that (is amazing),” he said.

“Our new players and new staff went to the Shrine on Monday showing a great respect for this day that again, we’re very lucky to be part of.”

The Bombers have given their fans a new reason to believe in them. They earned their first win two weeks ago against the Dees, and narrowly lost to a top four Suns side last week, building momentum to what is sure to be a tightly contested Anzac game.

Herald Sun Chief Football Writer Jay Clark summed up what this game means for both sides in the context of their season.

“Saturday’s blockbuster carries a fascinating significance between one side desperately trying to avoid falling off the age profile cliff into football oblivion and the up-and-coming Bombers who will attempt to slingshot past the arch enemy.”

It is also the 250th match between the sides as more than 90,000 fans are expected to pack into the MCG.

Anzac Day sport continues in Melbourne 

Across the road from the MCG, there will be NRL action with the Melbourne storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs competing in another Anzac Day match.

This will be the third year that the Storm has faced the Rabbitohs on Anzac Day and it will be the 17th time they host the traditional fixture in Melbourne.

Storm captain Jahrome Hughes highlighted the importance that playing on this day has for himself and the teams.

“It means a lot to our team, our club and myself personally,” Hughes said.

“It’s such a significant day in Australia’s and New Zealand’s history and to be lucky enough to be able to play on a day like Anzac Day is truly something special.”

The Storm have lost their last five matches and are in desperate need of a win, sitting 16th on the ladder. Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray refuses to underestimate the Storm side despite their struggles.

“It’s always been a big challenge going down to Melbourne and playing the Storm,” he said. “They’ve been up there as a top team of this competition for a long time.”

“Playing them in their backyard has proven to be extra hard and coming up against a team like that, they’re always strong. We have to be on our A-game and we have to be ready to work hard.”

The Rabbitohs have never beaten the Storm in Melbourne, going 0-20 in one of the most remarkable losing streaks in the NRL, but will be hoping they can hold their position in the top four with a win on  Saturday night.

Super Netball grand final rematch 

A blockbuster grand final rematch on Sunday will see the undefeated Melbourne Vixens travel to WA to take on the West Coast Fever.

A perfect start to the Vixens premiership defence sees them sitting top of the ladder, being unbeaten after six games, with the Fever closely behind them in 3rd with a 5-1 record.

Fever coach Dan Ryan said that going up against an unbeaten team is always challenging, but would love to hand the Vixens their first loss.

“Whenever there’s a Vixens or a Fever battle, it brings out the best in both teams and the quality of the game and the skill and the intensity is always very, very high,” he said. 

“It’s a great moment in the season for us to find our next level and to be really in tune for 60 minutes. We’re ready to take that next step and we’re up for the challenge.”

The Vixens have kept their winning grand final squad from last year while the Fever are without three  players since that heart-breaking one goal grand final defeat.

Photo: by Harry Smith. This photo has been modified.