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

4C'mon: Hewett

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 17: George Hewett of the Blues kicks a goal during the 2022 AFL Round 01 match between the Carlton Blues and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 17, 2022 In Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Carlton namesake of Australia's tennis superstar, Lleyton Hewitt, was just as demonstrative with football in hand as Lleyton was with a racquet.

Hewett was the inaugural recipient of the Superclash Superhero Medal (2025) for his 34 possessions, 12 clearances, nine tackles, one goal and two goal assists.

The Blues on-baller, based on WheeloRatings, has never played a better game in his career.

Hewett also earned the umpires' accolades on Brownlow night.

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