Ash Johnson says he still pinches himself every time he steps on the field, let alone in front of 95,000 on one of footy's grandest stages.

This time two years ago the 25-year-old was playing state league footy for Sturt in the SANFL.

On Tuesday he played a key role in Collingwood's ANZAC Day win over Essendon in the second most attended home-and-away match in the history of Australian football.

In a game with duelling surges of momentum for either side, Johnson twice took it upon himself to make a major impact on the end result.

He occupied full forward for much of the contest, often the Magpies' primary target up front, and more often than not looked the most dangerous man for Essendon to look after.

After plucking an absolute hanger he had a chance to kick Collingwood's first after they struggled to contain a rampant Bombers who got the early jump on the day.

It wasn't to be, however after his side fought their way back leading into the first break Johnson well and truly set the tone for a Magpies side unwilling to let the game slip out of their grasp, with a right-foot snap from the pocket for the first major of the second term.

The margins swung wildly, each team putting together dominant periods to build up two goal leads in either direction before an inspired effort put the Dons up by 28 points at three quarter time.

It looked all but done and dusted for a Bombers win before a seven goal to zip final term handed Collingwood one of the great wins in recent memory.

Johnson had a major say in what unfolded.

Billy Frampton kicked the Pies first of the fourth to give some hope before an equally booming roost from 55 out put Johnson's mark on the end result.

Johnson goes BANG 💥#AFLPiesDons pic.twitter.com/MaxvhggVXg

— AFL (@AFL) April 25, 2023

The goal gave a boost of energy to the Pies who ran away with the win in convincing fashion.

"I'm not sure if I was going for goal or not," Johnson told National Indigenous Times.

Even still, the result was six points at a crucial time.

Since being picked up by Collingwood in 2021's mid-season draft Johnson has looked composed and every bit the man for the occasion at the highest level.

"Every day at the club you still pinch yourself. Coming into games and stepping out on the MCG, it's just surreal. I always soak it in before before every game," he said.

Asked if there's been anything bigger in his footy life than ANZAC Day 2023 the answer was clear.

"Nah, nothing."

Following round six Collingwood sit second on the ladder, only trailing St Kilda on percentage, and are building as a genuine chance at lifting the premiership trophy come October.

The Pies bowed out of last year's race after a one-point loss to Sydney in the preliminary final.

As for Johnson's place in their current campaign, it's all about continuing to establish himself as an AFL footballer.

"The more training I do, the more practice I'm doing as well… practice makes perfect," he said.

"I've still got a long way to go as well. So (I'm) still working."

Johnson had played 13 games and kicked 20 goals since his his debut in 2022.