ESSENDON'S bid to keep its unlikely finals hopes alive has suffered a blow, with Orazio Fantasia – fresh from four goals last week – a late withdrawal for its blockbuster clash with Collingwood.
The Bombers said the goalsneak suffered "a slight niggle" in his groin at training on Saturday, with the club hopeful he will be fit to travel to the Gold Coast next weekend.
Fantasia has been replaced by Jake Long, who is in for his first match since round 23, 2016.
The Bombers started the round one win out of the top eight, but with a significant deficit in percentage to the other finals contenders.
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Collingwood, which can reclaim second spot with victory over its traditional rival, is unchanged.
The Pies are gunning for a seventh straight win, while Essendon has claimed five of its last six contests after a 2-6 start to the season.
Essendon v Collingwood at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST
LATE CHANGES
Essendon: Orazio Fantasia (groin) replaced in selected side by Jake Long
Collingwood: Nil
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Essendon: David Myers, Travis Colyer, Matt Guelfi, Ben McNiece
Collingwood: Josh Daicos, Flynn Appleby, Brayden Sier, Ben Crocker
