Source : the age
Key posts
Match-day timings
2:24pm – Motorcade of Veterans
2:35pm – Pete Murray to perform
2:51pm – Umpires enter arena & Match Ball delivery
2:53pm – Essendon enters arena
2:56pm – Collingwood enters arena
2:58pm – Joint Banner run through
3:06pm – ANZAC Day Official Observance Ceremony
3:17pm – Roulettes Flyover
3:18pm – Coin Toss
3:20pm – Match Start
Thousands of fans heeded the AFL’s warning to arrive at the MCG up to three hours before today’s Anzac Day clash – in fact many predominantly clad black and white went above and beyond.
By midday the crowds were already overflowing from the security screening area outside gate one and there were queues at other entrances long before public admission opened at 12.30pm.
Crowds assemble outside the Olympic Stand up to three hours before the first bounce at the MCG on April 25.Credit: Grant McArthur
A constant flow of spectators has been passing through most gates ever since, with a lot of security wand waving but no hold ups.
At the MCC entrance a man proclaiming to be “the voice of gate two” over the PA is reassuring and apologising to members in equal measure.
Firstly, he’s sorry that there may be delays getting into the game due to increased security measures introduced in recent weeks, but then he reassures them that it’s all for “your safety and our safety”.
“Security guards may even put their arms around you, but it’s just part of the checks”, he jokes.
Outside gate seven there’s no official greeting the early arrivals in the cheaper seats, though one fan with tattoos on his bald head tries his own one-liner before getting to the gathered security guards and their wands.
“The only guns rocking up to the G today and they are Nick and Josh,” he said.
His mate laughs and they are soon waved through with more than two hours to find their seats.
*Update from Roy at 2pm AEST: Two other workmates and myself all had similar smooth entries to the ground. A colleague who recently entered the ground said it took around 5-10 minutes to get in. I’d predict that we have around 35,000 fans here already.
Match-day timings
2:24pm – Motorcade of Veterans
2:35pm – Pete Murray to perform
2:51pm – Umpires enter arena & Match Ball delivery
2:53pm – Essendon enters arena
2:56pm – Collingwood enters arena
2:58pm – Joint Banner run through
3:06pm – ANZAC Day Official Observance Ceremony
3:17pm – Roulettes Flyover
3:18pm – Coin Toss
3:20pm – Match Start
G’day everyone and welcome to today’s AFL live blog as Collingwood and Essendon square off in front of a sellout Anzac Day crowd at the MCG.
First bounce is set for 3.20pm AEST.
We will have all the major moments and reactions from pregame right through to post game so please enjoy the hours to come and this special day on the calendar for Australians, New Zealanders and all those who have served.
Lest we forget.
