Collingwood president Eddie McGuire says the Magpies and Essendon resisted a huge offer to move their Anzac Day AFL blockbuster to Sydney.

McGuire used the clubs' decision to knock back the Sydney bid as part of an impassioned plea to the AFL to ensure Essendon and Collingwood remain the combatants in the traditional fixture, which they have held since 1995.

The Magpies boss said it was for the "good of the competition" that the two Victorian powerhouses were the only clubs involved, as they boosted the league's coffers through sellout crowds, better television deals and strong media exposure.

There have been several recent calls for the fixture to be shared around clubs, including by legend Ron Barassi.

But McGuire said Collingwood and Essendon had proven they could provide the atmosphere the occasion deserved.

"That we fill this huge stadium every year rain, hail or shine provides a fitting tribute. Can you imagine the MCG being half-filled on Anzac Day like the old days?" said McGuire at a pre-match function.

"It is also timely to remind those who are not of the Collingwood or Essendon persuasion ... that Anzac Day is shared by all in this game.

"Every other code looks with envy at the crowds and the ratings it provides.

"... In the media rights negotiations, a premium is placed on this game for the good of the competition.

"There is a levy applied to this game, a tax on our home and away game for the good of the competition.

"... The AFL membership is boosted substantially by getting access to this game, they're mostly Collingwood and Essendon supporters who are AFL members."

But McGuire said the fact that the Bombers and Magpies had resisted an offer to sell the game interstate was the most compelling argument.

"While other clubs sell games interstate regularly, only Collingwood and Essendon have the strength, the courage and the integrity and power to resist overtures from other cities to play this game," he said.

"You can play who you want on the MCG on Anzac Day, but if Collingwood and Essendon accept the biggest payday in Australian sport and play in Sydney, I will guarantee you where the fans and the attention will be.

"(Victorian) Premier (John) Brumby is aware of the offer that was put in front of Collingwood and Essendon.

"But as citizens of Victoria and for the common good of the AFL and its clubs, despite their constant carping, but most importantly for the solemnity of this day, we have respectfully declined."

McGuire called on the AFL to guarantee the match would remain between the Magpies and Bombers so they could "concentrate on celebrating this occasion and not have to justify ourselves every year".

Earlier, Barassi said he was a proponent of sometimes involving other clubs in the fixture.

"They deserve some sort of break, every second or third year," he said.

"I know (former Essendon and now West Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy) started it, and all of that, that's great, but I think it should be shared around.

"Top ranked sides should get it (as well)."

The AFL confirmed an offer was made by the NSW government to move the fixture to Sydney, but the league had declined it.

A spokesman said the AFL felt the competition was currently better served keeping the game at the MCG, given it consistently drew sell-out crowds.

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