Mark Bolton is familiar with playing at both ends of the ground, but in recent weeks has spent most of his time at centre half forward. Standing at 194cm tall, Bolton has provided a strong marking target and his agility and pace has given the team valuable drive into the forward line. “It has been that sort of year where I have played all over the ground and have been finding my feet in a few new positions,"" Bolton said.

Bolton has been a big part of the Bombers’ recent success. After a quiet period mid-way through the season, the 24-year-old has fought back and finds himself in good form heading into the blockbuster match against Collingwood tonight. “We have had a good run against Collingwood over the past couple of years. But that also gives them a lot to play for as well – so it goes both ways. You do take confidence into the match, but it is nothing to get carried away with either,” Bolton said.

Bolton is expecting a tough encounter tonight and said the team must win to give itself the best opportunity in the finals. ""It is as good as a final. Last week against Fremantle and then this week against Collingwood is the start of the finals series for us,"" Bolton said. If Essendon loses tonight, it is highly likely the team will travel interstate in the first week of finals. “We have the opportunity tonight to maybe stop that from happening. But the bottom line is we just have to go out and play good footy in the finals, regardless of where the venue is.""

Since the bye weekend in mid June, Essendon has won eight of its nine matches. The team has gathered momentum with each performance and is playing a confident brand of football. ""I think we have been a more settled team. In the second half of the year we haven't had as many injuries. Momentum is a big thing in footy and everyone is starting to play with more confidence and take more risks. It has been a really good second half of the year for us,” Bolton said.

Another positive influence in the Bombers’ second half of the season success has been the form and contribution from some of the side’s younger players. Marc Bullen, Andrew Welsh and Ben Haynes have all slotted into the side and been regular contributors. ""Those guys have been fantastic and having them in the team playing good footy really adds excitement to the team.""

Port Adelaide and Brisbane still seem to be most people’s premiership prediction. Essendon has played every side now and Bolton said despite there being a number of good sides out there, he thinks that Essendon has what it takes to match it with these top sides. ""I don't think we have been beaten this year where we have played well. I think a lot of the time when we have walked off the ground and been beaten, we thought we could have played better than that. Obviously Port Adelaide is a very good side, so is Adelaide, Brisbane and Collingwood etc but I think playing at our best we can really give anyone a shake,"" Bolton said.