Why Pies star apologised for incredible moment

Essendon defender Ben McKay has revealed Collingwood star Jamie Elliott apologised for taking a hanger on him during their Anzac clash.

Elliott was lauded for his mark of the year contender and subsequent goal, which helped the Magpies claw back the Bombers before the two teams finished in a thrilling 85-85 draw at the MCG last week.

While Elliott received buckets of praise for his effort, the forgotten man in the photo is the poor Bombers back who was used as a step ladder in the moment.

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Speaking to LiSTNR's Ben and Harry Podcast, McKay said he still hasn't brought himself to watch the video of the mark.

"It's frustrating it was on me, but for the game, it was great," he said.

"I didn't actually speak to him (Elliott) afterwards… I was going to go up to him and say, 'decent mark', or something but I was too entrenched in the game.

"After the game I shook his hand and said, 'Well done and great mark', and he said something along the lines of, 'Sorry to do that to you'.

"Credit where credit is due, it was a huge moment on Anzac Day, and it will live on for a long time."

Having refused to watch the moment back, McKay admits he can't remember if Elliott's mark was his fault or not.

"I can't remember if Elliott was my opponent at the time or if it was off somebody else, but I've obviously given my back to him," the Bombers recruit said.

"I think on one hand, and from a football point of view, there's an element of you're frustrated that someone's taken a mark on you in general, let alone being a ripper.

"So, obviously, I've given my back a bit too much and it was a nice kick. That's something from a craft point of view you obviously want to go to work at.

"But on the other hand, we see it every now and again that they get up there, but to actually complete the mark – it's absolute credit to Jamie for sure."