Two of the oldest and most decorated clubs in the league have made it a tradition to battle it out at the MCG on Anzac Day, when our country honours its fallen soldiers.

Collingwood has won the majority of the 30 matches, winning 18 to Essendon's 10 (along with two draws).

Club legends Scott Pendlebury and James Hird for Collingwood and Essendon respectively, are tied with the most Anzac Medals at three each all-time.

Here's my ranking of the top 10 Anzac Day games between the two historic clubs before they meet again on Saturday for the 31st consecutive year at the MCG.

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State League wrap-up: Round 12
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Jarryd Blair of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL round 04 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the St Kilda Saints at Etihad Stadium on April 16, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Collingwood 11.14 (80) defeated Essendon 11.13 (79)

The closest win in ANZAC Day game history went down to the wire and it could have swayed either club's way if it weren't for some late-game heroics. Collingwood had the star power, with big games from Dane Swan (42 disposals and 3 goals) and Scott Pendlebury (34 disposals) that helped them win the midfield battle. Brent Stanton converted a major for Essendon with just a few minutes remaining, but time still ticked for Jarryd Blair to kick the winner and get Collingwood over the line after a grueling waiting period for the score review.

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