Below is the pre-match running sheet for the Essendon v Collingwood match on Saturday, April 25, at the MCG.All times are local.
1.31pm-1.51pm: Preliminary on-field warm-up opportunity.
1.54pm-2.02pm: Veterans' motorcade.
2.10pm: Arena clear – set cheer squads.
2.14pm: Display of cheer-squad banner.
2.15pm: Umpires enter on cue/presentation of match football.
2.17pm: Collingwood enters on cue.
2.20pm: Essendon enters on cue.
2.22pm (approx): Immediately on completion of Essendon theme song, teams congregate on Northern Stand centre wing. Captains shake hands and then teams run through joint cheer-squad banner.
2.23pm: Catafalque guard in pre-set position.
2.28pm: Teams and umpires in position for Observance Ceremony.
Guard introduced and slow march from pre-set position.
Guard turns outward and rest on arms.
The Ode
The Last Post
Minute silence
The Rouse – flags raised
National anthems
2.38pm: At conclusion of the national anthem:
- Two sirens – two minutes to the start of the match
- Guard vacates the arena
- Toss of coin
2.40pm: Match commences.
3.45pm (approx): Half-time interval.
5.15pm (approx): On-field post match presentation of Anzac Day Medal and trophy by president of the RSL (Victorian Branch), David McLachlan.
