There’s no day on the AFL calendar quite like Anzac Day. The clash between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG has become a modern‑day tradition – a sold‑out crowd, a moving dawn service, and football that always delivers drama. But in 2026, the Anzac Day action doesn’t stop there. With multiple matches scheduled across the long weekend, punters have a rare opportunity to capitalise on high‑volume, high‑stakes footy.
This guide breaks down the key Anzac Day fixtures, the best betting markets for each, and – most importantly – where to find the highest odds to maximise your return. Whether you’re backing a first goal scorer, a line bet, or a multi, these tips will help you approach April 25 with a clear strategy.
1. The traditional blockbuster: Collingwood vs Essendon (MCG, 3:20pm AEST)
The rivalry that began in 1995 has produced some of the most memorable finishes in AFL history. Despite ladder positions fluctuating, this game is always tight, intense, and often decided by a kick after the siren.
Recent history (2022‑2025)
| Year | Margin | Highest scoring quarter |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Essendon by 7 | 3rd (10 goals) |
| 2024 | Collingwood by 4 | 1st (9 goals) |
| 2023 | Draw | 2nd (11 goals) |
| 2022 | Collingwood by 18 | 4th (8 goals) |
Key trend: The margin has been under 20 points in six of the last eight Anzac Day clashes. Expect another nail‑biter.
Best bets for Collingwood vs Essendon
Match winner
- Collingwood is usually a slight favourite ($1.70‑$1.85) due to home ground advantage and more big‑game experience.
- Essendon ($2.00‑$2.20) offers value if they’ve had a strong start to 2026. Check early season form – the Bombers often rise on Anzac Day.
Tip: Look at live betting after quarter‑time. The first term is often frenetic, and odds can swing wildly. If the underdog stays within a goal, their live price may still offer value.
Line betting (handicap)
- Collingwood -10.5 points is risky – the game is usually close. Essendon +10.5 has covered in 6 of the last 7 meetings. That’s a strong statistical play.
Total match points (over/under)
- The line is typically set around 165‑170 points. With both teams attacking aggressively on Anzac Day, Over 165.5 has hit in 5 of the last 6 editions. Expect the trend to continue.
First goal scorer
- Collingwood: Look for their small forward (e.g., Bobby Hill or a similar type). The Pies often kick the first goal of the day – they’ve done so in 4 of the last 5.
- Essendon: Their key forward (e.g., Peter Wright or a young gun) is a live chance if they win the opening centre clearance.
Tip: Bet on “first goal scorer – any time in first quarter” instead of “first of the match” – it offers better odds and more margin for error.
Player specials
- Most disposals: Nick Daicos (Coll) and Zach Merrett (Ess) are perennial ball‑winners. Head‑to‑head player matchups are available – Daicos usually gets the nod, but Merrett at $2.50+ can be value.
- Most goals: The leading goal scorer on the day often comes from the winning team. A small stake on “any player to kick 5+” can pay big if the game opens up.
2. Other Anzac Day clashes (April 25, 2026)
The AFL has expanded Anzac Day to multiple matches. In 2026, expect these additional fixtures (subject to draw confirmation):
| Match | Venue | Expected time | Typical line (total points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geelong vs Hawthorn | GMHBA Stadium, Geelong | 1:45pm AEST | 160‑165 |
| Sydney Swans vs St Kilda | SCG, Sydney | 4:40pm AEST | 155‑160 |
| Fremantle vs West Coast (Derby) | Optus Stadium, Perth | 6:10pm AWST (8:10pm AEST) | 140‑150 |
Geelong vs Hawthorn – the Easter Monday hangover
Though traditionally Easter Monday, if scheduled on Anzac Day, this rivalry is always heated. Geelong at GMHBA is a fortress – they win ~80% of home games.
Best bets:
- Geelong -15.5 points – the Hawks struggle on the big Geelong ground.
- Jeremy Cameron 3+ goals – he averages 3.2 goals per game against Hawthorn.
- Under 160.5 total points – wet or windy conditions in Geelong in late April often keep scoring down.
Sydney vs St Kilda – the SCG factor
Sydney are one of the best home teams in the competition. St Kilda have historically struggled at the SCG (only 2 wins in their last 10 trips).
Best bets:
- Sydney -12.5 – reliable line.
- Errol Gulden 25+ disposals – he loves the wide SCG wings.
- Both teams to score 80+? Unlikely – the Swans defence is elite. No at $1.70 is a solid option.
Western Derby: Fremantle vs West Coast
If the derby falls on Anzac Day, it’s a twilight/night game. Derby intensity is always high, but scoring can be low due to defensive pressure.
Best bets:
- Under 145.5 total points – has hit in 7 of the last 10 derbies.
- Fremantle -8.5 – the Dockers have dominated recent derbies at Optus.
- Most tackles – a midfielder (e.g., Caleb Serong) – derbies see high tackle counts.
3. Where to get the highest odds on Anzac Day 2026
Odds vary significantly between bookmakers, especially on feature events. For Anzac Day AFL, you should have accounts with at least three of these trusted Aussie betting sites to compare lines.
| Bookmaker | Known for | Best for Anzac Day |
|---|---|---|
| Top Betting Australia | Highest odds guaranteed on selected markets | Match winner, player specials |
| Bookmaker B | Same Game Multi specials | First goal scorer, player combos |
| Bookmaker C | Best odds on totals (over/under) | Total match points |
| Bookmaker D | Early payout offers (if team leads by 24+ points) | Line betting |
Pro tip: Use odds comparison tools on the day. Even a 5‑10 cent difference in odds on a $50 bet adds up over multiple wagers.
Promotions to look for
- Anzac Day multi insurance: Some books refund your multi if one leg fails (up to $50).
- First goal scorer cash back: If your pick kicks the first goal, get a free bet of the same stake.
- Best odds guaranteed (BOG): If you bet early and odds drift, you get the higher price.
4. Multi-bet strategies for Anzac Day
Combining multiple legs across the day can turn a small stake into a big return. But be selective – Anzac Day games are unpredictable.
Suggested safe multi (odds ~$3.50‑$4.00)
- Collingwood to win (vs Essendon)
- Geelong -10.5 points (vs Hawthorn)
- Sydney to win (vs St Kilda)
Value multi (odds ~$10.00‑$12.00)
- Essendon +10.5 (line)
- Over 165.5 points (Coll v Ess)
- Fremantle to win by 1‑24 points (derby)
Long shot multi (odds ~$50+)
- First goal scorer – Nick Daicos (Coll)
- Jeremy Cameron 5+ goals (Geel)
- Errol Gulden 30+ disposals (Syd)
- Under 140.5 total points (derby)
Warning: Avoid adding more than 4 legs. Each extra leg exponentially increases the chance of one bad beat ruining the whole ticket.
5. Live betting on Anzac Day
Anzac Day games are perfect for in‑play betting because of their emotional swings. A 30‑point lead can evaporate in 10 minutes.
Key live betting triggers
- After a 3‑goal run: The momentum team’s odds will shorten sharply. If you think the run continues, jump on the “next goal” market.
- At quarter time: The first quarter is often frantic. If a favourite is trailing but dominating inside‑50s, their live win odds are often overvalued.
- Injury to a key player: If a star forward goes off, the “total match points” live line will drop. This can be a chance to bet the under before the line adjusts further.
Platform tip: Use a bookmaker with a fast, reliable live betting interface. Nothing worse than a delay when you’re trying to lock in a price.
6. Bankroll management for a single day of heavy betting
Anzac Day offers multiple matches, which can tempt you to bet on every game. Stick to a plan:
- Set a daily budget specifically for Anzac Day (e.g., $200).
- Divide it by match: If betting on 4 games, allocate $50 per game.
- Never chase losses – if you lose on the first match, don’t double up on the next to “get it back”. Stick to your unit size (e.g., $10‑$20 per bet).
7. Final checklist for Anzac Day punting
- Check late team changes (Thursday night before Anzac Day).
- Watch the weather forecast – rain favours unders and upsets.
- Compare odds across 3‑4 bookmakers before placing any bet.
- Take advantage of promotions (multi insurance, cash back).
- Keep a record of your bets – you’ll learn for next year.
8. Conclusion: Respect the day, bet smart
Anzac Day is one of the most special days on the Australian sporting calendar. The football is always fierce, and for punters, the opportunities are plentiful. But with emotion running high – both on the field and in the stands – it’s easy to get carried away.
Stick to the markets you understand best. For most punters, that’s match winner, line betting, and totals. Leave the exotic props to the experts unless you’ve done your homework.
And remember: the best way to enjoy Anzac Day football is to have a small, well‑researched bet that adds to the excitement, not one that causes stress.
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