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Collingwood have cemented themselves as a force to be reckoned with after thumping Essendon by 49 points to win the 24th annual Anzac Day clash at the MCG on Wednesday afternoon.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Collingwood Magpies 14.17.101
Essendon Bombers 7.10.52
The biggest game of the home-and-away season is upon us once more, as the Collingwood Magpies host the Essendon Bombers in the 24th annual Anzac Day blockbuster at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:20pm (AEST).
Collingwood are back in a big way after thumping last year’s grand finalists, Adelaide, to the tune of 48 points last Friday – at the Adelaide Oval, no less.
They were a class above in a game where few gave them a chance, with fourth gamer Jaidyn Stephenson booting five goals, and Steele Sidebottom amassing 43 touches. If Collingwood get up, expect Sidebottom to play a big role.
Essendon are also in good spirits, having produced a strong performance against the highly fancied Port Adelaide. They ran out victors against the Power by 22 points, thanks to a Jake Stringer four-goal outing, as captain Dyson Heppell nabbed 31 touches.
Heppell is the heart and soul of this side, having been there through the dark days and is now leading them into the light. When he is on, Essendon are a class above.
There were concerns for both Dons stars, with Heppell training away from the rest of the group, and Stringer leaving the track early, but both have been confirmed. The only change comes at the expense of live-wire forward Orazio Fantasia, who misses due to injury, with Jackson Merrett back in the side.
Collingwood have opted against any changes.
Prediction
I have a gut feeling the Pies will get up in a thriller.
Collingwood by three points.
Will Essendon make it two Anzac Day victories in a row or will Collingwood rack up three wins on the trot? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:20pm (AEST).
Follow Dylan on Twitter @dylcarmody77
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