A heroic performance from Paddy Ryder has lifted Essendon to victory over Collingwood in one of the greatest, if not the greatest, contest between these teams since their Anzac Day tradition was forged back in 1995.
Down by 14 points at the 25 minute mark of the final term, the Bombers surged to the line with the final three goals of the match scored in five pulsating minutes to get up 13.15 (93) to 12.16 (88).
Essendon youngster David Zaharakis, the one player on the field with a true Anzac heritage - his great grandfather fought at Gallipoli - snapped the winner with just seconds on the clock.
But it was Ryder, thrust into the ruck following David Hille's early departure with what appears to be a serious knee injury, who paved the way to victory.
The athletic 21-year-old, a deserving winner of the Anzac Day Medal, beat Josh Fraser at his own game with 27 hitouts and 13 tackles and was as strong at the finish as he was at the start despite spending 100-percent of game time in the thick of the action.
Ryder's lone stand was in stark contrast to Essendon's key forwards, Scott Lucas and skipper Matthew Lloyd who finished with just five behinds between them.
Starting the match on 899 career goals, Lloyd missed a host of gilt-edged chances though was hampered by a corked thigh in the second half.
The contest began sensationally when Hille collapsed in agony in the opening minute after landing awkwardly while trying to haul in a pass from Courtney Dempsey.
By the time Hille was helped from the ground and into the rooms, Collingwood had its first goal on the board through Anthony Rocca who marked strongly in the goalsquare.
First-gamer Brent Macaffer doubled the Pies' advantage within two minutes when he outmarked Henry Slattery and slotted truly from a tight angle with his first kick in league footy.
The Bombers had the next five scoring shots - all behinds - and squandered a sackful of opportunities by going inside their attacking 50 at only 25-percent efficiency.
Lucas, who went into the game with the now-familiar golf ball-sized bursa on his right elbow, dropped two chest marks when a mile clear, Angus Monfries missed two gettable shots and Leroy Jetta heard 'footsteps' and dropped a sitter 30 out when the hulking figure of Leon Davis edged into his peripheral vision.
Jason Winderlich finally got a major on the board for the