Where and when: MCG, Thursday April 25, 3.20pm AEST
Last time they met: MCG, round 16, 2018: Essendon 9.8 (62) defeated by Collingwood 12.12 (78)
In a low-scoring contest, Essendon led the Pies by one point at three-quarter time before being overrun in the final quarter. It was Jordan De Goey who turned the game the Pies' way with three goals in the second half.
What it means for Essendon: It would be a huge fillip for the Bombers if they could overcome the Pies in the biggest home and away game of the season. After a sluggish start to the year, Essendon is on a roll, winning three games in a row and has averaged 18 goals in that patch.
What it means for Collingwood: The Pies cut through Brisbane last week, blitzing the Lions by 62 points at the Gabba. They looked at their best: quick, slick and dangerous up front, and would see this as a chance to beat a team that is gathering some hype.
How Essendon wins: John Worsfold's side is an attacking force when playing on instinct, so must continue to go for it. An ability to win the centre clearances, led by an in-form Dylan Shiel who was super in that area against North last week, will also be crucial.
How Collingwood wins: The Magpies' midfielders have dominated against Essendon in recent years, with onballers Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom, (now Crow) Paul Seedsman, Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury all winning the Anzac Medal since 2011. If the Pies take advantage of Brodie Grundy's likely strength in the ruck, they will be hard to stop.
The stat: Collingwood holds the edge over the Bombers in recent clashes, winning four of the past five Anzac Day meetings.
The match-up: Mason Cox v Michael Hurley/Cale Hooker
The AFL Player Ratings rank Pies target Mason Cox as the 18th-best key forward in the game (and overall No.174 in the AFL), but he continues to be dangerous in the air. Will it be Michael Hurley (ranked 173) or Cale Hooker (ranked 140) as the Bomber tasked to stop him?
It’s a big week for: Joe Daniher
The Bombers' spearhead came into the side late last week and kicked two goals against the Roos. How will he back up after his first game in a year and on a short break? He has shown he likes this stage before, having won the Anzac Medal in 2017.
Big call: Brodie Grundy to be best afield with more than 40 hit-outs and two goals.
Prediction: Collingwood by 12 points
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
