Scott Lucas believes the Bombers must restrict Jeremy Howe’s influence in Saturday’s big clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

Lucas says the Bombers must control their forward 50 entries to stop Jeremy Howe from intercepting the ball.

Howe has dominated the Pies backline this season and is averaging 22 disposals, nine marks and two tackles.

“Collingwood aren’t a tall back line, you’ve got Dunn and Goldsack down there but Howe is the real weapon for them, he lays off and intercepts,” Lucas said.

“You don’t want to get caught up bombing the ball in too often with his ability to mark it in the air, so lower your eyes.”

If Essendon can maximise its forward 50 entries, Lucas expects the tall forward line will be a handful for the pies defence.

“If you look at the last game and the work of Joey Daniher I’ll be interested to see how that match up plays out.”

“You would expect either (Lynden) Dunn or (Tyson) Goldsack initially to play on him.”

“Reid has come into the team with Darcy Moore out – will that stretch them if Daniher or Hooker can get on top, or Stewart who started the game well last week with his mobility.”

“If they can get on top, that draws Reid away from the forward line and really weakens that area of the ground for them.”

The Magpie’s boast a wealth of talent through the middle and Lucas says restricting their influence will be a key to winning the game.

“(Scott) Pendlebury around the football, (Adam) Treloar’s run and linking up and then you look at the small forwards for Collingwood - they have been very dangerous,” Lucas said.

“(Jamie) Elliot hasn’t played much football but when he has he’s been particularly dangerous and (Alex) Fasolo’s conversion hasn’t been perfect but he’s won enough of the football.

“The backline must respect those players – particularly the small backs that are going to match up on them – (Mark) Baguley, (Andrew) McGrath, (Martin) Gleeson – they’ll have big roles to play tomorrow.”