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

2Walker walks all over Suns

Round 15 MRP results
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Taylor Walker of the Crows celebrates after kicking a goal during the round 15 AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on June 30, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Adelaide hosted Gold Coast in the second match on Good Friday in 2021, and for Taylor Walker, it was a very good Friday.

The Crows forward kicked six goals (and three behinds) from 24 disposals. He took nine marks, laid three tackles, dished off a goal to a teammate, and even recorded three clearances.

It ranks in Walker's top 10 highest-rated games, according to WheeloRatings.

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