Assistant Coach Dale Tapping believes Essendon’s ability to arrest momentum from Collingwood is a major positive from their Anzac Day draw.

After the Bombers got away to a five-goal lead in the first quarter, the Pies edged their way in front in what was a see-sawing contest at the MCG.

Momentum swung acutely both ways, which saw three major lead changes throughout the day before culminating into a pulsating tied match.

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Despite feeling ‘dull’ about the non-result, Tapping says the Bombers will gain confidence from not letting the reigning Premiers surge on with their comeback – something Collingwood did in the previous round to Port Adelaide.

“What we take out of today is the game had three or four momentum swings. We walk away (experiencing) having momentum, losing momentum and regaining it on a couple of occasions - that gives you confidence,” Tapping told essendonfc.com.au’s The Last Word.

“Sometimes you need to win the game three times in the one game, that’s the immediate challenge for you. Collingwood are always going to test you because they keep attacking the game.

“That’s the pleasing part is that we can arrest momentum off quality teams and come back at them in the other way.”

Another facet which pleased Essendon’s coaching group was the link in ball movement from the midfield into the forward line.

The Bombers’ 55 inside 50s for 25 scoring shots was a pleasing sign of offensive improvement.

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Paired with Essendon’s intent around the ball, Tapping believes those areas will hold the Dons in good stead for the rest of the season.

“It always starts in the contest. Our mids were terrific and gave us first access to the ball,” he said.

“Sometimes even getting first access, the ability to connect inside 50 is always a challenge for every team and we connected really well inside 50, particularly in that first quarter.

“There was a lot to like about our intent. The game ebbed and flowed after our fantastic start. The way we attacked the game and to play our way in the system we’re trying to embed is really positive, albeit it a dull feeling with the draw.”