Heading into the mid-season break Essendon's season was on the rocks - the team had a win loss ratio of five and seven. Since then it has won eight of its past nine games to give itself an opportunity of finishing in the top four. 2002 best and fairest winner Mark Johnson said having close to a full list to choose from in the second half of the season has been one of the main reasons for Essendon's solid form. ""We have only lost one game after the break so that is where we have found our consistency with the team. Most of our senior players have been back in the team so that has helped with our consistency and that is the key,"" Johnson said.

""With every team that is successful there isn't any injuries so we are getting there now and probably feeling the best we have felt all year and really building up to the finals.""

After holding down the back pocket position for the past three seasons, Johnson has enjoyed the challenge of a new role this year. The 25-year-old has played predominantly in the mid-field and said he is grateful to teammates Mark McVeigh and Andrew Welsh for doing such a great job in his old position. ""I can't thank Mark and Andrew enough because they have helped me push up the ground. I am trying to get a bit more experience in the centre - I still have a lot to learn - but it has been good to get in there a bit more than I have been in the past.""

Johnson is already fired up about Friday night's blockbuster match against arch rival Collingwood. Johnson said Collingwood has been in good form in recent weeks and it will be a tough encounter. ""They (Collingwood) have been working hard on their game plan. I think we match up well on Collingwood and our last game against them was sensational. We are trying to emulate that - we will be trying to play a good free flowing game. They are always big games no matter where you are on the ladder.""

Essendon must win against Collingwood to have any opportunity of finishing in the top four. Johnson said that the club is aiming to finish as high as possible, however because it is such a close season any team is capable of winning the premiership. ""This year has been completely different to any year that I have played. It is that close this year that everyone has got a chance. Probably the position you finish will help, but I think anyone in the eight is capable of beating any other team so it makes for a good finals series.""