SUMMARY: To the surprise of most, Essendon sits on top of the ladder, unbeaten after a challenging start to the season. The Bombers are playing imposing football – quick, skillful and tough, and have now got the depth to cover injuries. Without key trio Michael Hurley (ankle), Dustin Fletcher (groin), and Patrick Ryder (suspension) they might be susceptible, although the Magpies also have a number of experienced players missing. Collingwood could hardly have been more impressive in the second half of its win over Richmond last week and will enter the game wanting to add to its seven-game winning streak over the Bombers.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Thursday April 25, 2.40pm (AEST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 23, 2012, Collingwood 14.20 (104) d Essendon 10.12 (72) at the MCG
Rd 5, 2012, Collingwood 11.14 (80) d Essendon 11.13 (79) at the MCG
Rd 19, 2011, Collingwood 25.16 (166) d Essendon 14.8 (92) at the MCG
Rd 5, 2011, Collingwood 16.11 (107) d Essendon 11.11 (77) at the MCG
Rd 20, 2010, Collingwood 24.18 (162) d Essendon 10.4 (64) at the MCG
THE SIX-POINTS
1. It is the 19th time the clubs have met in their now traditional Anzac Day clash. The Magpies hold the advantage on the day, winning 10 of the game to the Bombers' seven. There was one draw – in the first game in 1995.
2. Essendon veteran Dustin Fletcher has played the most Anzac Day matches of any player (16) and played in 1995. But a groin injury will this week stop him from adding to his tally.
3. The respective coaches, James Hird and Nathan Buckley, are also no strangers to the Anzac Day stage. Hird played on big day 10 times and won the Anzac Medal three times, and Buckley played in nine of the games.
4. Essendon is fast becoming the third-quarter specialists of the competition. So far this year, the Bombers have kicked 24 goals while holding their opponents to only nine.
5. The Magpies showed last week against Richmond they can be hard to handle close to goal and the statistics reflect that dominance. Collingwood is ranked second in the competition for contested marks this season.
6. An average crowd of 82,756 fans has watched the last 18 Anzac Day clashed between these sides. With Thursday's forecast clear of any rain, and both sides in strong shape, this promises to be the biggest crowd of the season to date.
