Matching Collingwood’s midfielders on the inside and maximising Essendon’s speed on the outside will be key factors for John Worsfold’s men in the Anzac Day clash, according to Robert Shaw.

The Bombers have included four players in their squad for Monday’s match.

Ryan Crowley, Sam Grimley, Courtenay Dempsey and Jonathan Simpkin have been named in the 25-man team that will be trimmed to 22 later today.

“With the extended bench I think they’ve covered all the bases,” Shaw said.

“I like bringing in (Ryan) Crowley if there is a need to go with (Scott) Pendlebury – because I think Pendlebury has got to go into the midfield this week for Collingwood.

“(Jonathan) Simpkin can (also) go through the midfield.” 

Shaw sees Grimley’s possible inclusion as an avenue to helping ease the load on Joe Daniher.

The 22 year old has been a mainstay in the Bombers forward line for the last three seasons, but finding a key position ally has been difficult.

Last week, the Cats key defenders were able to zone off and double-team Daniher. 

Harry Taylor, Lachie Henderson and Daniher’s direct opponent Tom Lonergan took 24 marks between them.

Collingwood are likely to have Nathan Brown, Ben Reid and Jack Frost stationed in defence on Monday and Shaw said keeping them occupied would be important in the final outcome.

“Reid is very similar to Harry Taylor and we saw the influence that Harry Taylor had last week leaving his man and giving support to the full-back on Daniher,” Shaw said. 

“Too many times last week Essendon had Daniher versus two or three.

“So if they bring in Grimley and maybe distract one of the opposition… separate the forwards, it will give Joe Daniher a much better opportunity.”

A new group of fleet footed Bombers has emerged this season and that could be another area that proves significant in the final outcome.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Orazio Fantasia and Martin Gleeson have broken lines for the Bombers this season and their ability to continue to offer that run will be important according the Shaw.

Particularly given the inside muscle Collingwood boast with Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom, Levi Greenwood and Taylor Adams.

“The two sides that have really beaten Collingwood up are sides that have matched them on the inside,” Shaw said. 

“Western Bulldogs and Melbourne were physical on the inside, but what impressed me was their pace and run on the outside.

“So if Essendon can match them  - a very strong midfield at Collingwood – and use their pace and run outside, it’ll give them a really good opportunity.”