Western Bulldogs forward Josh Bruce's 10 goals in the 2021 Good Friday clash stands out as the best performance on the public holiday, but does anyone else get close?
The AFL had previously refrained from playing football on Good Friday, but the thirst from its fans on the public holiday brought the game into the primetime slot from 2017 onwards.
North Melbourne was granted the position as hosts of the marquee clash, despite some queries over its ability to put on a show.
Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Essendon all had their time in the Good Friday sun, but Carlton, since 2023, has been the Kangaroos' opponents at the Docklands.
Across state lines, South Australian and Western Australian clubs also got a chance to feature on the public holiday as a double-header.
West Coast has played host three times while Fremantle and Adelaide have had their time in the spotlight.
Below I rank the top 10 Good Friday performances... Unfortunately, not many Kangaroos feature.
Honourable mentions:
- Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne) in 2017 - 33 possessions, 10 clearances, 10 score involvements, six marks and four tackles
- Jack Petruccelle (West Coast) in 2019 - 18 disposals, five goals, seven marks, eight score involvements
- Peter Wright (Essendon) in 2025 - 17 touches, six goals, nine score involvements, seven marks
6Sensational Smith
The hard-running Bailey Smith, still in Bulldogs colours, was a joy to watch. He broke lines, taking the game from one end to the other.
In 2022's iteration of Good Friday, this was no different. Smith gathered 43 touches, nine score involvements, seven inside 50s and 646 metres gained, playing through the middle, half forward and wing.
The Bulldogs won by 68 points, inflicting more pain to North Melbourne.
