Head to Head:

Played: 232

Essendon: 101

Collingwood: 127

Draws: 4

Last Five: 

R23, 2015 Essendon 14.11 (95) d Collingwood 14.8 (92)

R4, 2015, Collingwood 9.15 (69) d Essendon 6.13 (49)

R17, 2014, Essendon 16.7 (103) d Collingwood 5.9 (39)

R6, 2014, Collingwood 12.11 (83) d Essendon 8.12 (60)

R19, 2013, Collingwood 20.13 (133) d Essendon 7.12 (54)

Last time we met:

It went right down to the wire in the final game of the 2015 AFL Season. Veteran midfielders Brent Stanton and Heath Hocking stole the show with three goals each. Orazio Fantasia and Mark Baguley were both important across the half-back line, while Conor McKenna found some form playing in the forward pocket.

Key players:

The inclusion Sam Grimley could stand to the be the difference with Essendon in need of an additional tall target in the forward line. Grimley’s ability to get his hands on the ball and convert will be as important as his partnership with Joe Daniher. The two big men will need to work well together and hit the scoreboard early.

Courtenay Dempsey will also be an important inclusion to the team line-up. If he plays forward, he will need to use his pressure and speed to help trap the ball in the attacking half. Otherwise, Demps’ speed off the backline will be crucial in helping kick off attack on the rebound,

Orazio Fantasia has continued his growth in the early stages of the year and had a great game against the Cats last week. His run and carry will be important in linking the plays as well as putting the pressure on the opposition.