The AFL has returned serve at Nathan Buckley, declaring Collingwood and Essendon signed up to the blockbuster Anzac Day clash well aware of the fixture foibles that can follow.

Buckley took aim at League headquarters after Collingwood's 29-point win over Geelong on Sunday, insisting 2017 scheduling has been "poor", and that his team had been required to face a rival which had enjoyed a seven-day break.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said the league had done its best to cater for the Magpies and Bombers.

"The Anzac Day match, when it falls mid-week, requires Essendon and Collingwood to play a match where they will have one long break and one short break. The clubs know there will be years where the break length will impact them but have sought to retain the fixture, understanding these issues," he said.