Collingwood's win over Essendon last Anzac Day gave it the impetus to reach the AFL grand final, according to Bombers coach Kevin Sheedy.

Both Sheedy and Magpies coach Mick Malthouse rate the now traditional Anzac Day clash as the biggest game outside the finals.

"Last year this game I felt provided a catalyst to Collingwood to have the year they did and get to the grand final," Sheedy said.

"It seemed to me that Collingwood really got a lot of confidence out of winning on Anzac Day last year.

"These games on Anzac Day are really a final, well before the finals.

"Probably at the start of last year Collingwood weren't sure whether they were going to get to a grand final or not but, be gee, they did after Anzac Day," he said.

Nostalgia, history and the moment where young men are called up to perform are all part of the moment, Malthouse said.

"It's the best game outside of the finals that you'll ever play," he said.

"There's all sorts of reasons why you can pick other games through the year but this is the game.

"This is the game of the year, regardless of where Collingwood are or where Essendon are on the ladder.

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