Presenting all you need to know about Essendon – the Magpies’ round 16 opponents – ahead of their clash at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
Recent form
It’s been a tough two weeks for the Bombers after suffering narrow losses to the Swans at the SCG, before going down to the bottom-placed Lions last Sunday.
Sitting 11th placed on the ladder – only two games out of the eight – Essendon will need to finish off the season strong to have any chance of making their first final series in three years.
They’ll be looking to atone for their “disappointing” performance against the Lions - where they allowed the Queenslanders to kick six of the last seven goals to run out eight-point winners at Etihad Stadium.
For the Bombers, Michael Hurley was most impressive on the day, as he collected 31 touches from the defensive half.
Captain Dyson Heppell and Brendon Goddard led from the middle, while Joe Daniher started strongly with three first-half goals.
Orazio Fantasia and Joe Daniher show their disappointment after the Bombers lost to the Lions. Image: AFL Photos.
Words from the coach
“It’s always going to be fierce (between the two clubs) and that’s what is great about the game,” Essendon coach John Worsfold said at his media press conference earlier this week.
“It would be great to have a huge crowd to see this clash because it’s a really important clash for both teams.
“We are not assessing them as a team that’s a lot lower than us on the ladder and therefore not performing well.
“It’s two teams out of the eight, fighting to stay in the race for the eight.”
Coach John Worsfold and captain Dyson Heppell speak during a quarter-time break. Image: AFL Photos.
Last time we met
After three consecutive Anzac Day losses, Essendon managed to turn its fortunes around as they claimed an 18-point victory over the Magpies earlier this season.
A crowd of 87,685 people watched a standout Joe Daniher claim the Anzac Day medal, while Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell and Darcy Parish swayed the midfield battle in favour of the Bombers.
For the Magpies, Adam Treloar (39 possessions) and Jeremy Howe (30 possessions) were best afield, while Daniel Wells made an impressive Collingwood debut with 24 disposals and two goals.
Joe Daniher fends off Adam Treloar during the round five Anzac Day clash. Image: AFL Photos.
Keep an eye on
Last time these two teams met, it was all about Essendon forward Joe Daniher.
In one of his most dominant performances of his career, Daniher kicked 3.4 and amassed 16 touches and eight marks on his way to claiming the Anzac Day Medal.
The 23-year-old has is enjoying his best season in front of the big sticks, kicking 38 goals after 14 games.
So the question beckons: which Collingwood defender lines up on Daniher when the two side’s meet on Saturday?
Daniher celebrates one of his three goals against the Magpies earlier this season. Image: AFL Photos.
Injury list
The Dons boast one of the neater injury lists in the competition, with only Patrick Ambrose (quad), Mitch Brown (ankle) and Ben McNeice (neck) sidelined.
Unfortunately for Brown, a return to the senior side will be pushed back even further after injuring his ankle in the VFL over the weekend.
In the mix
There are a number of Essendon players who are pushing for a senior call-up against Collingwood.
Midfielder David Myers collected 34 possessions and six tackles in the VFL over the weekend, while forward Jackson Merrett booted three goals.
Youngster Josh Begley is yet to make his Essendon debut, while veterans Craig Bird and Brent Stanton have been in good form in the seconds.
David Myers could return against the Magpies after strong performances in the VFL. Image: AFL Photos.
