Anzac day provides some of the biggest AFL matches each year with the Melbourne Cricket Ground always getting sold out for the match between Essedon and Collingwood. We take a look at the AFL 2013 matches for the day including the feature match which kicks off at 2:40pm with most of Australia tuning in to watch the game. View the Anzac day 2013 match previews for the AFL Round 5.

Essendon Bombers vs Collingwood Magpies

One of the highlights in the AFL season is the Anzac clash between the Bombers and Magpies.

This particular match has produces some epic encounters over the years and I’d expect this one to be no different.

The Bombers have had plenty to distract them off the field this season but the playing group, led by Brownlow medallist Jobe Watson, have been outstanding and remain, along with Geelong and Port, unbeaten after four rounds

After a sensational effort to come back from near 40 points down during the game against Fremantle in WA a fortnight ago, the Bombers accounted for a struggling St. Kilda outfit last week – 128-91.

Collingwood also recorded a comfortable victory last week (113 – 79) over Richmond who were unbeaten leading into the match.

The Tigers were more than competitive in the first half but as champions outfits tend to do, Collingwood rallied and produced an outstanding third quarter that saw them seven goals to Richmond’s two.

That was the Pie’s third win this fourth win this season, the only loss coming against Hawthorn.

The Bombers couldn’t be in a better position to face their toughest test to date this season but Collingwood have won the past seven encounters between the two sides and expect they’ll be too good here as well.

TIP: COLLINGWOOD 1 – 39 @ $2.35

Odds Comparison:

Essendon Bombers	2.25	2.30	2.20	2.30	2.25	2.27
Collingwood Magpies	1.64	1.63	1.67	1.63	1.64	1.65

St Kilda Saints vs Sydney Swans

The Saints take a home game to New Zealand and will be hoping to turn their poor form around.

The task will not be an easy one given they take on last year’s Premiers Sydney and do so without Stephen Milne (banned) and Beau Maister (injured).

The Saints only win this season has come over the struggling GWS and they have lost to Gold Coast, Richmond and last week, to Essendon by 37 points.

Sydney, who were gifted a good start to the season with comfortable wins over GWS and GC Suns, suffered their first loss of the season last week when hosting Geelong at the SCG.

They led early before succumbing to the Cats by 21 points.

They are currently fourth in the competition when it comes to Goals and should have too many guns for the St. Kilda.

Tip: SWANS -32.5 @ $2.10

Odds Comparison:

St Kilda Saints	4.55	4.60	4.50	4.60	4.55	4.60
Sydney Swans	1.20	1.20	1.20	1.20	1.20	1.21

Magpies get Anzac day boost

Collingwood have received a welcome pre-Anzac Day boost with two of their most promising players signing new long-term AFL contracts.

Exciting forward Jamie Elliott and developing ruckman Jarrod Witts have pledged their futures to the Magpies.

Elliott has signed a two-year contract extension and Witts for a further three years until the end of the 2016 season.

Elliott, 20, has been a revelation this season since impressing in his debut year in 2012.

The small forward booted the Magpies to victory over Carlton in round two, and has become a regular in coach Nathan Buckley’s team – renowned for his tackling pressure and eye for goal.

Witts, 20, is yet to make his AFL debut, though he is rated Collingwood’s next long-term ruckman once veterans Darren Jolly and Ben Hudson make way.

The 208cm ruckman has shone in the VFL this season.

Buckley rated him highly enough to consider him for a possible debut against Essendon in the Anzac Day clash, though he just missed selection.