EXCLUSIVE: Eddie McGuire Discloses the AFL’s Attempt to Excise Essendon from Anzac Day Clash

Eddie McGuire has disclosed that the AFL once considered excluding Essendon from the iconic Anzac Day match.

The ex-president of Collingwood revealed that discussions were held at the peak of the supplement scandal that had the Bombers in the spotlight daily from 2012 to 2016.

While talking about North Melbourne and the potential of them being dropped from Good Friday fixtures due to lacklustre performances, McGuire shared this fascinating insight.

“I have no qualms about North Melbourne playing on Good Friday. They will bounce back,” McGuire told Nine’s Eddie and Jimmy podcast.

“Let me tell you, at one point the AFL approached me when they were still embroiled in the conflict with Essendon around the drugs scandal, and they wanted to shift Essendon from Anzac Day.”

“I received very persuasive pressure regarding the potential removal of Melbourne from the King’s Birthday clash.”

“On both counts, I firmly stood my ground and said ‘not a chance’. That was my stance on the matter.”

“As it turns out, that was the right call, wasn’t it?”

“For me, having Collingwood and Essendon play on Anzac Day is significant; it’s about having two passionate supporter bases filling the stadium regardless of the situation.

“The simplicity of the remembrance service and the moment of silence, combined with a packed MCG, has greatly enhanced the commemoration of Anzac Day.”

Amidst the supplements scandal, Essendon was suspended from the 2013 finals, with 34 players serving one-year bans imposed by ASADA in 2016.

Meanwhile, Melbourne found themselves in a predicament similar to the Kangaroos in the 2010s, yet they managed to retain their prominent fixture.

This Friday, the Bombers and the Magpies will clash at the MCG for the annual blockbuster event.