Essendon coach Mark Thompson is confident his side can turn their recent form around ahead of the club’s annual Anzac Day blockbuster against Collingwood on Friday.

Off the back of Essendon’s surprise 16-point loss to St Kilda, Thompson said his players would ‘naturally’ be fired up for the Anzac Day clash in front of a predicted 90,000 strong crowd.

“We’re hoping it’s an anomaly and we can come out and turn it around really quickly. I’m confident we can,” Thompson said.

“We’re right, we’re up for it and that naturally happens for Anzac Day games. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Speaking at a press conference ahead of training on Tuesday morning, Thompson acknowledged that Collingwood was currently an in-form side.

“They have been good – we have been good too, and also at times poor but they’re a bit the same. They have come in to some good form recently... But we will try and do a lot more right this week,” he said.

“There are lots of elements of our game that we can do better so we just need to stay focused and get back on track.”

Thompson said Friday afternoon’s blockbuster match at the MCG was one of the ‘special games’ on the annual football calendar.

“It really is one of those special games that fans love, that football people love, and the two teams have had some good battles.”

“We all know there’s a game on Friday and it’s going to be a beauty.”