Mitchell Johnson: AFL Anzac Day game a reminder that cricket needs to find a resolution to Australia Day mess

I can only imagine the feeling of playing at the MCG on Anzac Day as it carries a profound sense of honour and remembrance.

The annual clash between Essendon and Collingwood is one of the biggest events of the AFL season, regularly attracting crowds of more than 90,000.

Their silence for the pre-match ceremony, as players and spectators alike reflect on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, is as powerful as their roar.

Playing in that sort of atmosphere must be electric, on a day where the spirit of sportsmanship blends with national pride, and the match serves as a tribute to those who fought for Australia and New Zealand.

The sense of camaraderie and respect between opponents on the field that day surely adds an extra layer of significance to the competition.

It’s not just a game; it’s a heartfelt reminder of the values that unite the nation.

Thirty years on from its advent in 1995, the Essendon-Collingwood clash is not only cemented in the calendar as a captivating event but appears to be going from strength to strength.

The closest equivalent for our elite cricketers is Australia Day, yet in the same time period it has gone from one of the great occasions on the cricket calendar to a day Cricket Australia now tries to avoid scheduling matches on.

I hope that there will soon be a significant national day for all Australians, so the Australia Day match can be played in unity and enjoyed by all.

Anzac Day, though different from Australia Day, inspires us to remember the precious freedoms and luxuries we cherish in our great country.

The annual Australia Day one-dayer – typically held at Adelaide Oval, one of Australia’s iconic grounds – was always a standout for me.

I vividly remember the anticipation leading into the Australia Day game. The crowd arrived dressed in green and gold, decked out with Australian flags everywhere. Knowing that we were representing our country and feeling the whole nation’s support on such a significant day created an incredible atmosphere.

Things have since changed over the years with mixed opinions on Australia Day, including the views of Indigenous stars Ash Gardner and Scott Boland about the day not being appropriate for celebration.

While I respect their position, I hope cricket can find a resolution soon amid the broader political debate. Playing on Australia Day always felt unique to me and united as a country.

Even when I didn’t perform at my best, there was an undeniable sense of solidarity, a feeling as if the playing XI was being carried by the entire nation that day. There was a greater responsibility, pushing us to perform better and most occasions we played well.

Now every year Anzac Day comes around, it is a reminder of how well the AFL does it and what cricket has lost with Australia Day.

With Anzac Day, sport is used as a way to honour the past and acknowledge the bravery that allows athletes the privilege to compete. The games bring together players and fans in a spirit of camaraderie and respect, creating a sense of unity.

It’s also worth noting how sport played a role for those who served in wartime. Many found solace in sport as a way to escape the harsh realities of conflict, as has been documented with photos of games of footy and cricket among soldiers.

This longstanding connection underscores the importance of sportsmanship — whether it’s shaking hands with opponents after a tough match or sharing camaraderie in the locker room. That environment fosters respect, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard.

Playing hard but fair encapsulates the essence of sport. It’s about the challenges faced during the game, the discussions afterwards, and ultimately the mutual respect shared between competitors.

It’s a cycle of striving for excellence, learning from each experience, and moving forward together, which mirrors the values intrinsic to our society. Embracing this spirit in our sporting activities amplifies the significance of each game, especially on days of remembrance.

It’s fascinating to see how sports across the globe honour significant days like these. In the United States, Independence Day is traditionally celebrated with Major League Baseball games complete with fireworks and plenty of patriotism and a shared sense of pride.

According to a poll in 2016, almost 40 per cent of Americans attended a sporting event on July 4. Moments like these unite people through their love of sport.

Anzac Day footy reminds us how fortunate we are to live in this country. It illustrates that sport should be sport — played in a way that brings together fans and even those who may not typically follow sport at all.

The day reminds us that we can enjoy our freedoms and the beauty of Australia because of the sacrifices made by our courageous men and women, many of whom were young and potentially talented in sport themselves.

Honouring their memory by playing a game in their spirit feels like the least we can do.