Several key matchups worked superbly for Collingwood in their AFL Anzac Day win over Essendon, but Marty Clarke’s performance was crucial.

The Irishman starred with his shutdown role on Bombers midfielder Brent Stanton as the Magpies won an epic clash at the MCG by one point.

Four days after starring in the win over Carlton with 36 possessions, Stanton only had two kicks at halftime as Clarke wore him like a glove.

“I wouldn’t have believed it if someone had said Stanton would only have two to halftime,” Clarke’s teammate Dane Swan said.

Clarke said coach Nathan Buckley had told him on Sunday that he would probably run with Stanton on Anzac Day.

Swan says Clarke is as disciplined as anyone at Collingwood and the Irishman blanketed Stanton in the first half.

Stanton had 11 kicks in the second half, but rarely looked like having a big influence on the match.

“He’s a great player and he’s had a great start to the year. It took a helluva lot of concentration from myself and help from my teammates to try and stop him,” Clarke said.

“He had a pretty good second half and nearly scored the winning goal, so there’s certainly things to work on.

“It was just a concentration thing. He’s very clever at spitting out the back and he can win his own ball as well.

“There were a range of challenges.”

Clarke returned to Collingwood this season after two years back in Ireland.

His form so far had been steady, but Anzac Day represented a major step up in performance for the utility.

Clarke revelled in a crucial win after Collingwood’s stuttering form so far this season.

“A goal in the last (couple of minutes) for the video review, it certainly doesn’t get much more dramatic,” he said.

“It’s brilliant to come out on the right side of it.

“It’s a great win and we really earned the win today.

“Everyone, to a man, on a four-day turnaround gave 100 per cent.”