This shapes as one of the biggest games in the seven seasons of Sunday twilight footy. The Pies took three quarters to shake off the winless Greater Western Sydney before getting the win that keeps them in the hunt for a top four berth. One of the clubs they're hunting is Essendon, who after a bright opening 20 minutes last Friday, was never in the hunt against Hawthorn. It again raises the question of whether off-field events have finally caught up with the Bombers, but then again they've been so resilient all season that it would be foolish to dismiss them here. If Dustin Fletcher and Jobe Watson return, they have the tools to complete a season-sweep of the Magpies.
WHERE AND WHEN
MCG, Sunday August 4.40pm
PAST FIVE TIMES
R5, 2013, Essendon 18.13 (121) d Collingwood 10.15 (75) at the MCG
R23, 2012, Collingwood 14.20 (104) d Essendon 10.12 (72) at the MCG
R5, 2012, Collingwood 11.14 (80) d Essendon 11.13 (79) at the MCG
R19, 2011, Collingwood 25.16 (166) d Essendon 14.8 (92) at the MCG
R5, 2011, Collingwood 16.11 (107) d Essendon 11.11 (77) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Essendon defeated Collingwood earlier this season on Anzac Day in round five at the MCG winning by 46 points. David Zaharakis was best on ground with 34 possessions and four goals.
2. It snapped a seven-game losing streak by the Bombers against the Magpies.
3. This will be the 228th clash between the sides and Collingwood holds the advantage winning 124 games to 99. There have also been four drawn matches.
4. Did you know this will be the first time in history Collingwood and Essendon have played in the Sunday twilight timeslot?
5. Collingwood and Essendon are ranked first and second for total disposals this season, both averaging only 380. Both sides are also first and second this season for uncontested possessions.
6. Essendon skipper Jobe Watson's absence because of a busted collarbone has seen him slip to fourth overall on the Vero AFL Player Rankings. Scott Pendlebury (five) and Dane Swan (seven) remain solid in the top 10.
