Collingwood v Essendon: AFL Friday Preview

Collingwood have the opportunity to make it six wins on the spin when they take on Essendon in the traditional ANZAC Day clash on Friday.

After losing opening round, the Pies have bounced back to win the next five, and are looking good to add another premiership to their trophy cabinet.

There is still a long way to go in the season however, and a victory against the Bombers on such an emotional day, is a must.

Essendon have hit some form themselves, winning the last three on the spin, but the clash with the Pies will be their biggest test yet.

However they can take heart from the fact they are unbeaten in the last two meetings with Collingwood.

The MCG will be packed to rafters on Friday, and if the last ANZAC Day clash was anything to go by, the fans will be treated to a classic.

Collingwood v Essendon betting preview

Pies flying high

Collingwood showed they are at the top of their game when they beat the reigning premiers Brisbane by 52 points at the Gabba.

The win, and the manner of it, fired a warning to the rest of the AFL, that Collingwood are ready to add another premiership to the one they won in 2023.

The Daicos brothers continue to dominate with Nick collecting 38 disposals against the Lions, while Josh chipped in with 30.

Both will be hugely influential once again on Friday, with Nick Daicos priced at 3.75 to be named Best on Ground.

He is also 2.90 to collect 35+ disposals in the game.

Collingwood have scored over 100 points in three of their five wins this season, and will be out to score big once again.

The Pies can be backed at 1.87 to score over 94.5 points in the game.

Bombers out to cause upset

Essendon have gone well against Collingwood in the last two meetings, and will be out to keep that run going.

In Round 17 last season they won by 12 points, while the ANZAC Day clash finished in a dramatic 85-85 draw.

The Bombers will be keen to get off to a quick start and can be backed at 3.40 to win the first quarter of the game by 1-18 points.

They were far from convincing when beating West Coast 77-75 in Perth, last start, but they are grinding out the wins, and now have three on the bounce.

If it is to be tight once again, Essendon can be backed at 8.00 to win the game by 1-12 points.

Essendon will have to pick themselves up after Sam Draper for the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury.

Todd Goldstein is set to step in, and his experience will be key in front of over 90,000 supporters.

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Collingwood v Essendon odds

Collingwood - 1.20
Essendon - 4.60

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.