As the Anzac Day game is approaching between Essendon and Collingwood, I wondered what it would look like if both teams merged into one, who would make the final best 23 squad?
The squad, comprising of the 2026 team lists, had 15 Collingwood and eight Essendon players, headlined by stars like Nick Daicos, Zach Merrett, Josh Daicos and more.
Read below what my thoughts are on the best 23 players from both squads ahead of their Anzac Day clash...
Backline
FB: Isaac Quaynor, Darcy Moore, Andrew McGrath.
HB: Dan Houston, Brayden Maynard, Josh Daicos
Collingwood begins the lineup dominating the back half, beginning with 2022 All-Australian defender Brayden Maynard, deserving a spot with his lockdown defence and unreal effort. Magpies captain and two-time All-Australian Darcy Moore earns his position at full-back.
The only Essendon defender on the list is their captain, Andrew McGrath, as he is lining up in the other back pocket, providing some dash and ball use in the back. Two-time All-Australian Dan Houston will be put at half back flank with his phenomenal ball use.
Josh Daicos is going to be alongside Houston at half-back, as the star player is having a stellar season, averaging 28 disposals for the Magpies. Isaac Quaynor fills out the rest of the backline as a top lockdown defender between the two sides.
