Craig McRae has named Collingwood’s side for the 29^th annual ANZAC Day clash against Essendon at the MCG tomorrow.

After a strong run of form in the VFL, 20-year-old forward Harvey Harrison comes into the side for his fifth game at AFL level, and his very first ANZAC Day clash.

Harrison replaces Reef McInnes who started as the Sub in last week’s win over Port Adelaide. Harrison for McInnes is the only change to the side that took on the Power in Round Six.

McInnes will join Lachie Sullivan and Oleg Markov has an emergency for the clash. Five players have been named on an extended bench, with the substitute to be named 60 minutes before the first bounce.

Harrison has averaged 18.3 disposals across his three games at VFL level this year, with his run and carry, and speed on the wing a highlight of his performances. The North Adelaide product has kicked two goals from his three appearances and laid a game high nine tackles in the Round Two clash with Brisbane.

Selected at Pick 52 in the 2021 National Draft, Harrison made his AFL debut in Round 12, 2023 against the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium. He kicked a goal in the second quarter and gathered the ball eight times.

The clash marks the 29^th time that Collingwood and Essendon will face off on ANZAC Day, after the inaugural clash in 1995. Last year’s edition saw the Magpies come from behind to win by 13-points.

Nick Daicos took home the ANZAC Medal after a dominating with 40-disposals and two goals, while Beau McCreery, Ash Johnson, Jack Ginnivan and Jordan De Goey all booted two goals each to help the Magpies overturn the 28-point deficit at three quarter-time.

Scott Pendlebury is just four disposals away from the magical 10,000 milestone, after collecting the ball 18-times in the Magpies Round Six victory. After debuting in Round Ten, 2006, the 36-year-old has since handballed the ball 5000 times exactly, and kicked the ball 9,996 times.

Fans are encouraged to arrive to the match early for a range of proceedings including the traditional pre-game ceremony:

2024 ANZAC Day pre-match schedule:

• 12:00pm: MCC Gates Open
• 12:30pm: Public gates open
• 1:45pm: Australian Army Band to perform
• 2:24pm: Motorcade of Veterans
• 2:35pm: Something for Kate to perform
• 2:51pm: Umpires enter arena & Match Day ball presentation
• 2:53pm: Collingwood enters arena
• 2:56pm: Essendon enters arena
• 2:58pm: Both teams run through the joint banner
• 3:00pm: Roulettes flyover
• 3:07pm: ANZAC Day Official Observance Ceremony
• 3:18pm: Coin toss
• 3:20pm: Match commences

Thursday April 25
Essendon V Collingwood
MCG, Wurundjeri
3:20pm (AEST)

In: Harrison
Out: McInnes (omitted)