""These are two very proud clubs. We just have to be very careful at Essendon that if Collingwood have a couple out injured we don’t drop off,"" Sheedy said.
""Our players can’t drop off in any way, shape or form at any stage. Last year Collingwood cost us a place in the top four when they beat us in Round 22 – our players have got to wake up to that.""
""I hope it’s a great game and played in a great spirit as it should be. It gives us an opportunity to find out who can handle the pressure. We really want to continue our winning form.
""It is four and a half wins each going into Anzac Day 10 – I think that is a real indication of the competitiveness between these teams no matter where they are on the ladder.""
And a solid start to the match will be imperative for Essendon. Sheedy was none-to-impressed by Essendon’s first half performance against Carlton last week. He said there would be no excuses for such a performance this week given his side will be coming off a nine-day break.
""I felt we were really sluggish early last week but I felt we ran well in the second half. Having a decent break going into this game will help us freshen up after having played a couple of games at The Dome and having a six-day break before another,"" Sheedy said.
Sheedy confirmed youngster Ricky Dyson will be in the Essendon side this Sunday. The Anzac Day clash will be just his third at senior level.
""He should get a game and he should just go out there and play. He knows how to play footy – sometimes we can over-coach these kids,"" Sheedy said.
""Really they just need to make sure they relax and get into the game early. An early touch helps. We had an 18-year-old win an Anzac Day Medal against us (Mark McGough) so you never know what can happen. You don’t need to be experienced to jump up and win a game of football.""
Sheedy said Mark and Jason Johnson were also close to selection but he also hinted that there could yet be a surprise at the selection table. Given Sheedy’s track record when it comes to blooding youngsters, a few of the club’s recent draftees will be anxiously awaiting the team.
""Mark McVeigh will have to come back via the VFL side – he has missed a fair bit of football. Mark and Jason Johnson will be strongly considered and we might have a look at a couple of young blokes depending on the weather. The day you stop taking risks and learning about your list in games like this you may as well not coach. Mick might be forced into it because of injuries but I have to make sure I don’t lose sight of that,"" Sheedy said.
