Kyle Langford spurns chance for Anzac Day glory as Essendon and Collingwood DRAW historic game in 28-year first

For the first time since the inaugural Anzac Day game between Essendon and Collingwood, the prestigious contest has ended in a draw.

The Bombers and Pies played out a drama-filled affair at the MCG on Thursday afternoon, but neither side were able to emerge with all the spoils in a game that ended with 12 goals and 13 behinds apiece.

Essendon star Kyle Langford had the chance to take all the glory with a set shot within scoring range but screwed his effort wide, registering a behind.

Before that, Jamie Elliott had stolen the limelight with a spectacular mark, climbing above 202cm Ben McKay to claim what will surely be a frontrunner for mark of the year.

Bombers captain Zach Merrett took home the Anzac Day medal after registering 31 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances. 

Essendon and Collingwood played out a dramatic draw in their Anzac Day game

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Essendon coach Brad Scott says Kyle Langford addressed his teammates in the rooms directly after missing a crucial set shot in the Bombers’ thrilling Anzac Day draw against Collingwood.

The gun forward had an opportunity to win the match for Essendon when he marked about 30m out with the Bombers behind by a point in the dying stages.

Langford probably would have been awarded the Anzac Day Medal had he slotted his fifth goal – and third of the frantic final term – of Thursday’s match at the MCG.

But under the immense pressure of 93,644 screaming fans watching on, the 27-year-old hooked his kick to the right to tie the game at 12.13 (85) each.

Langford spoke in front of players and coaches post-game, saying he followed through with his normal set-shot routine.

‘It was a great opportunity for me as coach,’ Scott said.

‘He’s got an incredibly consistent routine that he just drills, week in, week out.

‘That’s all we’re asking you to do.

‘You follow your process, your routine and you try to execute.

Bombers captain Zach Merrett took home the Anzac Day medal for his performance

‘This game is not a game of perfect and you’re going to to miss some, but the mistakes that we get really frustrated by are when we go away from our system or what we train.

‘If he’d gone away from his process, then there’d be an issue. But he didn’t.

‘If I’m going to stick true to talking to the players about what we value, that’s action and we’re not going to hang guys out to dry.’