SUMMARY
The traditional rivals take centre stage in a jam-packed Anzac Day, and both will enter the game with some confidence. Collingwood overcame a sluggish start last week to thrash St Kilda, but will face a sterner test against Essendon, which has enjoyed a strong start to the season. Despite an unprecedented preparation for the year as they waited for a verdict from the AFL's Anti-Doping Tribunal, the Bombers are 2-1 and playing strong, fast and attacking football. The Magpies have been swiftly written off in terms of top-eight contenders by some, but have two solid wins on the board already. If they can claim the scalp of the Bombers, they will have enjoyed an excellent start to their 2015 campaign.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, April 25, 2.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2014, Essendon 16.7 (103) d Collingwood 5.9 (39) at the MCG
R6, 2014, Collingwood 12.11 (83) d Essendon 8.12 (60) at the MCG
R19, 2013, Collingwood 20.13 (133) d Essendon 7.12 (54) at the MCG
R5, 2013, Essendon 18.13 (121) d Collingwood 10.15 (75) at the MCG
R23, 2012, Collingwood 14.20 (104) d Essendon 10.12 (72) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Collingwood has taken the ball inside-50 more than any other side so far in 2015, averaging 61 entries a game. Essendon is middle of the road, averaging 51 a game.
2. No player has played in more Anzac Day clashes than Essendon veteran Dustin Fletcher. The defender has featured in 17 of the Anzac Day games against Collingwood, including the first in 1995.
3. The clubs have tended to share the honours on Anzac Day, but Collingwood has the edge overall. There have been 20 contests, with Collingwood winning 11 games to eight with one draw.
4. The Magpies have won more contested possessions than any team so far in 2015, averaging 164.7 a game. Essendon is back in the pack, averaging 134.7 (ranked 13th).
5. The Bombers' lack of energy towards the end of games must be a concern for coach James Hird. In final quarters so far this year, the Bombers have kicked five goals combined against 11 from opponents.
6. Collingwood star Dane Swan was the best player of round three, according to the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. Swan's 39-disposal effort earned him 32 ratings points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Travis Cloke. The Collingwood goalkicker made his debut on Anzac Day, 2005, and has played more games and kicked more goals against Essendon than any other team in the competition. He kicked 5.4 last week and if he can do that again on Saturday the Pies will be on their way.
PREDICTION: Essendon by 20 points
