THE AFL is pleased to announce that multi-platinum-selling Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray will perform as part of the pre-game presentation for the 30th anniversary of the annual Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG on Friday.
With an illustrious career spanning more than 20 years, Murray has sold over 1.2 million albums, including three ARIA chart-topping albums, and has amassed 17 ARIA Award nominations across his career.
With timeless hits including 'Better Days', 'Opportunity' and 'So Beautiful', and recent new singles 'Wouldn't It Be Good' and 'I Am Fire' from a new album set for release later this year, Murray said he was honoured to be part of this iconic event.
"Both Anzac Day and the annual AFL Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon are part of Australian history, so it's going to be a great honour for me to play at this game in front of a full house at the MCG," Murray said.
The traditional Anzac Day motorcade parade will be held along the MCG boundary line with football fans able to acknowledge the sacrifices of past and present service men and women with representatives from the Australian Army, Air Force, and Navy in attendance.
The Australian Air Force will conduct an aerial roulette flyover the MCG prior to the first bounce, before the traditional Ode of Remembrance and Last Post will be conducted for the Anzac Day Official observance ceremony.
The Australian and New Zealand National Anthems will be performed by Private Lauren Stewart (Australian Army Band) and Private Hettie Adams (New Zealand Army Band), while both the Collingwood and Essendon Football Clubs will run through a joint banner as a symbol of unity.
AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Bec Haagsma said it was great to have an Australian fan-favourite perform as part of the traditional Anzac Day formalities.
"The AFL is excited to have a beloved Aussie artist in Pete Murray join us to perform at the MCG as part of our 2025 Anzac Day presentation," Ms Haagsma said.
"This year marks the 30th anniversary of the AFL's traditional Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon – a match that has grown to become one of the most special days on the football calendar.
"My family and I feel very strongly about Anzac Day. From visiting Anzac memorials in country towns, to attending ceremonies at our major sporting events, we respect this as an important national occasion.
"I'd encourage all fans attending matches across the weekend to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and pay their respects to the sacrifices of our past and present service men and women."
All nine matches across round seven of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will hold special Anzac observance ceremonies ahead of each game, while Anzac Appeal badges will be available for purchase at select matches for fans to show their support for the RSL's Anzac Appeal. While fans around Australia watching the broadcast of games can get involved by donating at www.anzacappeal.com.au
The RSL's Anzac Appeal is the major national annual fundraiser that provides funding to support veterans adjusting to civilian life after service and sacrifice to our country.
The Toyota AFL Premiership Season round seven Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon will be broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus and available via FOX FOOTY, Kayo and BINGE.
2025 ANZAC Day pre-match schedule:
12pm: MCC Gates Open
12.30pm: Public gates open
2:24pm: Motorcade of Veterans
2:35pm: Pete Murray to perform
2:51pm: Umpires enter arena & Match Day ball presentation
2:53pm: Essendon enters arena
2:56pm: Collingwood enters arena
2:58pm: Joint banner run through
3:06pm: Anzac Day Official Observance Ceremony
3:17pm: Roulettes flyover
3:18pm: Coin toss
3:20pm: Match commences
About Pete Murray:
One of Australia's most enduring and endearing singer-songwriters, Pete Murray is a multi-platinum-selling artist who has sold over 1.2 million albums, released three ARIA chart-topping albums, and earned 17 ARIA Award nominations among multiple other wins and accolades. Emerging with his debut full-length album The Game in 2001, Murray's breakout sophomore album Feeler (2003) cemented his status as one of Australia's all-time greats. With timeless hits like 'Better Days', 'Feeler', 'Opportunity', and 'So Beautiful', his stirring blend of acoustic, rock, and folk elements continues to resonate with fans. Now an independent artist, Murray has made a powerful return with new music, including the singles 'Wouldn’t It Be Good' and 'I Am Fire', both receiving national support from Triple M, The Project, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, and many others. His Wouldn't It Be Good 2024/2025 Summer tour saw an incredible 16,300 tickets sold, and he's just announced his biggest solo tour to date - a massive 59-date run across Australia and New Zealand with shows on sale now and tickets selling fast.
