Nathan Buckley press conference: Anzac Day clash important in more ways than one

 

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is simply ‘looking forward to the challenge that Wednesday presents’ ahead of his team’s all-important Anzac Day clash against Essendon.

 

The famous Anzac Day game commemorates the battlefield larger than football, where both clubs unite to pay their respects to our countries’ past and current war veterans.

 

“It’s an occasion for all Australians. It’s an opportunity lost if we don’t reinforce the reason that the day exists and the good fortune we have, to be able to chase our dreams in this country, given the service men and women that have fought and the families that have been impacted,” he said.

 

When ask what the Anzac Day clash means to his club, Buckley noted the importance placed on the day and the players who play in remembrance.

 

“It’s generational. Something we acknowledge each year and try to educate our players on and staff around.”

 

Collingwood, who are sitting on two wins and two losses, are still preparing to play the way they have planned against an evenly-placed Bombers side on one of the biggest days on the football calendar.

 

“We’re fully focussed on playing our brand and making sure we bring an intent to the game that reflects the way we want to go about it,” Buckley said.

 

However, Buckley acknowledges that Essendon are no easy beats and their game style is one the Pies are eager to control.

 

“They’ve got a lot of speed, a lot of pace and are really hard at the ball. Those elements are ones we’ll have to match and surpass if we want to get the game on our terms.”

 

Collingwood take on Essendon at 3.20pm on April 25 at the MCG. They will then return to the MCG four days later to take on reigning premiers Richmond.

 

 

About Anna Pavlou

Anna 'Pav' Pavlou is a current student and a born and bred Melburnian who has a passion for sport and sharing people's stories. She is an intern journalist for AFL VICTORIA and writes for The Roar, the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA Media), the Mongrel Punt and is a Melbourne Cricket Club contributor. She also appears on North West FM 98.9 radio show. Most winter weekends you'll find her down at the Ross Gregory Oval in St Kilda, supporting Power House FC, who play in Division 2 in the VAFA. She works as the Division 2 writer for the VAFA. She completed work experience with 3AW Radio and has been published in The Age as well as with Carlton FC and Geelong Cats. Check out her website below for more sport pieces!

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