3 minute read

Essendon and Collingwood boast 3-2 records heading into their 25th Anzac Day clash, with the Bombers on a three-game winning streak.

PREVIEW OF THE ANNUAL ESSENDON-COLLINGWOOD ANZAC DAY CLASH

THURSDAY, April 25

Essendon v Collingwood at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST

Head to head: Bombers 103 Magpies 130 Drawn 4

Head to head Anzac Day: Bombers 9 Magpies 14 Drawn 1

Last clash: Magpies 12.6 (78) bt Bombers 9.8 (62) at the MCG, R16 2018

The AFL's biggest game outside the finals marks 25 years and rarely have the two teams come into the game boasting such solid form. They share 3-2 records, with the Bombers on a three-game tear and the two rivals taking apart resurgent Brisbane over the last fortnight. Only top side Geelong have scored more than Essendon and Collingwood and the tactics will be fascinating - will either side try to shut down the opposition scoring, or will they back their forward firepower in an old-school shootout? The two sides sprung selection surprises, with Darcy Parish out for Essendon and Collingwood's Will Hoskin-Elliott in for his first game of the season.

Key: This is the second game back from injury for Essendon spearhead Joe Daniher, who won the Anzac Medal two years ago. It's already been a tumultuous week - on Wednesday, the Daniher clan farewelled grandfather Jim. Even if Daniher is not in peak form, he gives Essendon's attack better structure and is a significant headache for the Magpies defence.

Tip: Essendon by 10 points.