Fans react angrily to AFL's Anzac Day announcement

The Anzac Day clash is a sacred day on the AFL calendar. Photo / Getty

The AFL has copped a ferocious backlash after announcing rock band Birds of Tokyo will perform on Anzac Day before Collingwood's match against Essendon at the MCG.

The league announced the Aussie rockers will perform three songs on what is the biggest day on the footy calendar outside of the finals.

The Australian Army Band will also perform before the opening bounce but fans and media personalities were angry at the AFL's decision to prop up the special occasion with what many claimed was an unnecessary addition to the entertainment.

Radio and TV personality Andy Maher, who co-hosts AFL program The Front Bar on Channel 7, and Fox Sports AFL reporter Julian de Stoop were among those to question the wisdom of the band's gig.

Why? https://t.co/dBNEOd5hPc

— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) April 19, 2019

Surely this day needs none of this.

— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) April 19, 2019

Poor call by headquarters this one

— Julian de Stoop (@jdestoop80) April 19, 2019

More than 150 people had commented on the AFL's post after the article was published on Twitter — and nearly all of the responses were negative.

Journalist and AFL Fans Association volunteer Cheryl Critchley suggested the governing body had failed to read the room.

On Anzac Day? Isn’t that a day for solemn reflection? Hard to see how this can work.

— Cheryl Critchley (@CherylCritchley) April 18, 2019

This is absolutely disgusting and I hope the RSL comes out and condemns this strongly as should the football public. Reeks of the morons who say we "celebrate" anzac day instead of commemorate it. Sickening.

— Camille G (@Cami181) April 19, 2019

Nothing against the band at all; this just doesn’t sit right with the tone of the day. It’s about paying respect to the fallen, not entertainment.

— Cheryl Critchley (@CherylCritchley) April 18, 2019

It’s the somber and reflective atmosphere that makes ANZAC day special. We are there to remember.

— Shelley Ware (@ShelleyWare) April 19, 2019

Essendon's tight turnaround between marquee AFL games tempted it into giving Joe Daniher a week in the VFL before he made his long-anticipated return but that plan was abandoned hours before the Bombers' Good Friday match against North Melbourne.

Daniher, who hasn't played in almost a year, was going to play in the VFL this week, priming him for a return to the top flight on April 25 but a late change saw him named to replace injured ruckman Zac Clarke, who has made a quiet start since joining the Bombers from Fremantle.

Daniher did not play after round seven last season because of osteitis pubis, while a calf muscle injury sidelined him during the pre-season.

Essendon coach John Worsfold said he wouldn't hesitate to throw Daniher into the ruck at times despite his injury history.

"Playing in the ruck, he doesn't jump any higher than he does when he jumps on blokes' heads at full forward," Worsfold said earlier this week.

"Whether he plays any time in the ruck or not, it doesn't change his workload. In some ways, it lessens it."

Essendon had a dreadful start to the season but improved its record to 2-2 with an impressive win over Brisbane last week. Livewire forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti booted seven goals and the Bombers played with much greater freedom.