In one of the closest seasons in recent history, Saturday afternoon’s clash with Collingwood is set to be a thriller.

The traditional rivals will go head to head on the MCG, both searching for a win to keep in touch with the top eight.

And Michael Hurley is under no illusion of what to expect when the opening ball is bounced.

“It’s going to be a fierce contest, and the season is on the line for both teams,” Hurley said.

While Hurley’s focus will be on restricting the influence of the pies forward line, he’ll also have the best seat in the house to watch the action unfold.

Speaking on Bomber Radio, Hurley said while Collingwood’s strength is its midfield, he can’t wait to see the Bombers engine room attack the contest.

“Our contested ball is where we’re looking to crack in the most, their midfield is full of stars in Pendlebury, Sidebottom and Treloar," he said.

“It’s going to be great to see Jobe and Hepp go head to head with them, and it’s going to be a hot contest in there.

“Our best footy is so exciting, it’s fast and quick and we’re hard to stop, so we have to get that ball movement going again.”

The Bombers electric brand of football has been good enough to match it with the best teams in the competition.

Over the past eight weeks, the Bombers have recorded wins over Geelong, West Coast and Port Adelaide, while narrowly losing to Sydney, GWS and Richmond.

And Hurley, like his Captain and Coach, believe last Sunday’s performance was a glitch in what has otherwise been a solid couple of months.

“I think the last eight weeks, minus the performance against Brisbane obviously, have been really consistent and I think our best footy is really good," he said

“The way we defend and press forward and our contested footy is the real linchpin to the way we want to play our footy.

“Like a lot of teams we’re struggling to put four quarters together, so that’s going to be our focus this weekend.”

Hurley also believes the incredible support of the members and fans has been vital in lifting the team this season, and he’s called on Essendon family to outnumber the magpie army on Saturday.

“They came out in number last year, and this year they’re even bigger this year," he said.

“I’d just like to say thanks to the fans, keep coming along, keep backing us in and let’s keep moving forward.”