Prime Minister Tony Abbott has thanked the AFL for giving Aussie diggers free access to footy games while serving overseas.

Flanked by defence force personnel and footy players, Mr Abbott clasped a Sherrin ball and thanked the AFL for making “arguably Australia’s national game” available in time for the Anzac Day blockbuster between Collingwood and Essendon.

Troops will be able to watch all 2015 footy games live or on demand through the League’s international streaming service.

Essendon’s Heath Hocking and Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom joined the prime minister for the announcement in Melbourne on Friday.