Welsh, who missed last year’s blockbuster as he recovered from a broken leg, can’t wait to get his chance to play in the big one.
Last year Essendon snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, three late goals - including the winner to youngster David Zaharakis - propelling Matthew Knights’ team to a thrilling victory.
And Welsh said the match, while 12 months ago, was still vivid for many of his teammates.
“[With] a lot of the guys, it’s still pretty fresh in the mind,” Welsh said from Windy Hill on Friday.
“That’s all you sort of hear this week is Zaharakis’s name come up and little promos here and there.
“But it was a great win by the guys last year, it was a great fighting win and we’ll be looking to do the same this year.”
Form has counted for little in recent Anzac Day matches between the two teams, and the Bombers might be hoping that trend continues again this week.
The Pies are coming off an impressive win over Hawthorn, while the Dons came back from Subiaco with their tail between their legs after a below-par performance against West Coast.
But the Bombers, who will regain Mark McVeigh, Angus Monfries and Brent Stanton, are optimistic about their chances.
“We feel we match up pretty well against Collingwood,” Welsh said.
“We’ve got a couple of experienced guys hopefully coming back in this week which also helps on such a big occasion.
“Being a big club like Essendon we’re pretty lucky that we get to play in front of big crowds and on big occasions most of the time and I think that’ll help us.”
Welsh said his team knew it needed to improve from its loss to the Eagles, but there were positives despite its 1-3 record through the opening four rounds.
“We’ve made a massive emphasis over the pre-season on contested ball and really working on that because we felt that was an area that last year we somewhat lacked in,” he said.
“We were great on the offence but defensively it really hurt us. I think it’s only been four rounds but we’re leading the competition in contested balls and tackles, which is a real positive.”
