Trailer for a new series of Anzac 360 virtual reality videos on Australia's WW2 experience, coming later in 2019.

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.

Surely this day needs none of this. — Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) April 19, 2019

Poor call by headquarters this one — Julian de Stoop (@JDESTOOP80_FOX) April 19, 2019

The only music that should be pre game on ANZAC Day is the bugle being played for one minute and everyone paying respect. A big fan of Birds of Tokyo and Adam Weston but they should be halftime entertainment or postgame entertainment. https://t.co/tw95lIsaAi — Mason Cox (@masonsixtencox) April 19, 2019

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire addressed the backlash surrounding the decision by the AFL at halftime of the Good Friday clash between Essendon and North Melbourne.

“I think that there is a happy medium here if the Birds of Tokyo are on well before the ceremony,” McGuire told Fox Footy.

“These days if you turn up to the MCG there’s always rock music going on in the stands so it’s not as if it’s just quiet.

“The original nature of Anzac Day itself was that there was no reserves games allowed to happen because there was nothing allowed to happen before 12 noon.

“That’s changed over the years, but if we’re going to have a happy medium here, Birds of Tokyo on well beforehand, then let everyone sit around and gather their thoughts.

“Thirty minutes between them playing and the ceremony is probably a good enough gap between them.

“If I was pushed, I wouldn’t have anything but if that’s what’s going to happen then a 30 minute gap is probably good enough.”

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

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

No. This is a just wrong. ANZAC Day is for remembrance and reflection. It’s not a celebration. The atmosphere at the ground pre-game is magical. What is wrong with you?? @AFL @AFL_House @CollingwoodFC @essendonfc #ANZAC — Lindy Bassett (@lindybassett) April 18, 2019

Do we really need "entertainment" on this day - its a day we pay respect to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice - get a grip @AFL — Greg Horton (@lesswan29) April 18, 2019

Why? It’s our most solemn day, a day of remembrance. Out of touch once again #theywillgetitrightoneday — Mark Cole (@ColeyNUW) April 18, 2019

Quite a bad call, AFL. It's a solemn day, not a game that needs entertainment. — Myles Harris (@millionsofmyles) April 18, 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.

With AAP