The first bounce will be at 3:20pm at the G and for those of us not heading to Melbourne, there are a few pubs and clubs around Mildura and Sunraysia showing the game, with some also running ANZAC Day extras like two-up, drink specials and meals.
Here are a few local options to keep in mind.
Club Merbein
Club Merbein is shaping up as a good option if you want to make an afternoon of it.
They’re advertising two-up from 1pm, along with drink specials, meat raffles, and the ANZAC Day AFL match on the big screen.
That gives you a bit of the traditional ANZAC Day pub atmosphere before settling in for the Essendon v Collingwood clash.
What’s on offer:
Two-up from 1pm
Drink specials
Meat raffles
ANZAC Day AFL on the big screen
The Gateway Mildura — The Club Bar
If you’re after a proper sports bar setup, The Gateway Mildura’s Club Bar is another one to look at.
The Gateway promotes The Club Bar as a dedicated sports bar with multiple screens, including a massive 200-inch LED wall, making it a strong choice for watching a big game like this one.
Their ANZAC Day trading information lists The Club Bar as open from 12pm to 9pm, which lines up well for the 3:20pm bounce.
What’s on offer:
Big screen sports bar setup
200-inch LED wall
Sports bar menu
TAB and Keno facilities
ANZAC Day trading listed as 12pm–9pm
Mildura Club — Bar & Events
The Mildura Club has also promoted the ANZAC Day footy as being shown live and loud, with Essendon v Collingwood on the big screens.
They’ve also listed ANZAC Day specials, including $6.50 schooners and house wine, plus a buy one meal, get one half-price offer.
That makes it a handy option if you’re looking to watch the footy and grab a feed at the same time.
What’s on offer:
Essendon v Collingwood live and loud
Big screens
$6.50 schooners and house wine
Buy one meal, get one half-price offer
Mildura RSL
For those who like the day to start with the ANZAC Day service and then roll into the football, Mildura RSL is an obvious one to keep in mind.
Public posts from the RSL mention the Collingwood v Essendon match from the MCG following the ANZAC Day service.
It’s probably one of the more traditional settings to watch the game, especially given the significance of the day.
What’s on offer:
ANZAC Day service connection
Essendon v Collingwood match following the service
RSL atmosphere for the day
Mildura Workers Club
The Mildura Workers Club is also worth considering, although I’d suggest checking with them directly if you specifically want the game with sound.
Their ANZAC Day trading information lists the club as open from 12pm to 12am, with lunch available from 12pm to 2:30pm.
The club also promotes its Sports Bar as having a big screen and multiple screens for live sport, so it’s a likely option for footy viewing on the day.
What’s on offer:
Open 12pm to 12am on ANZAC Day
Lunch from 12pm to 2:30pm
Sports Bar with big screen and multiple screens
Worth confirming match sound/live-and-loud setup directly
A Quick Note Before You Go
As always with public holiday trading, it’s worth giving the venue a quick call or checking their latest social media post before heading out.
ANZAC Day trading hours, meal specials and live-and-loud arrangements can change, especially if venues are working around services, staff availability or licensing conditions.
But if you’re looking for somewhere around Mildura and Sunraysia to watch Essendon v Collingwood on ANZAC Day, these are the local spots I’d be checking first.
Whether you’re a Bombers fan, a Magpies fan, or just there for the tradition of the day, it should be a big afternoon of footy.