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
5Bomber beauty
Essendon's solitary involvement in the Good Friday clash proved fruitful with a 58-point win over North Melbourne.
The Bombers midfielders feasted on the carcass of the struggling Roos, and Dylan Shiel, in his first season (2019) in red and black, was immense.
A 36-possession game was the tip of the iceberg, with Shiel recording four goal assists, 11 score involvements, 10 inside 50s, five clearances, all worthy of three Brownlow votes.
