Essendon Bombers vs Collingwood Magpies Tips - Bombers to push Pies to the brink on ANZAC Day
Essendon Bombers, having recently ended a losing streak with an impressive performance against Melbourne, are set to challenge the Collingwood Magpies in the ANZAC Day clash. Despite a 1-5 record, Essendon's improved pressure and clearance ability could make this match tighter than expected against the 3-3 Collingwood. Key players like Zak Merrett and Archie May are anticipated to drive Essendon’s efforts, while Collingwood's scoring will be tested against a sharp Bombers defense.
- Essendon improved with wins against Melbourne and a close game against Gold Coast.
- Collingwood's scoring is a concern despite a solid defense; rely on moments of brilliance.
- Key players: Zak Merrett for disposals, Archie May for goalkicking.
Essendon Bombers vs Collingwood Magpies Preview
- Essendon Bombers vs Collingwood Magpies Preview
- Head to Head
- Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
- Essendon Bombers Team News
- Collingwood Magpies Form Analysis
- Collingwood Magpies Team News
A revitalised Bombers outfit will push Collingwood to the brink on the big stage as the two modern rivals square off in the ANZAC Day blockbuster.
Brad Scott’s side broke a 17-match drought with their win over Melbourne a fortnight ago and backed that up with a strong showing against Gold Coast last weekend.
The Bombers come in with the inferior win-loss record of 1-5, with Collingwood at 3-3 after their great escape against Carlton last weekend, but this shapes as a far closer contest than the win-loss record suggests.
Essendon have found a blueprint built on pressure, contest work and ability to win clearances, which will allow them to control territory for large periods. The question mark is whether or not they can sustain this for the full four quarters to win the Round 7 match.
Collingwood will no doubt have their moments in what shapes as a high-pressure contest. Nick Daicos comes in with some red-hot form but scoring output remains a concern against a Dons outfit that have kicked 17 goals in each of the past two rounds.
Essendon are no longer reliant on one avenue to goal, with multiple contributors hitting the scoreboard, which puts pressure on Collingwood’s defence across the board rather than allowing them to lock down one key target.
Archie May looms as a strong play for the 2+, while Zak Merrett continues to drive that midfield and is well placed for another 30+ disposal game in a contest where the Bombers represent value with the +19.5 start.
- The last three meetings between the two sides have resulted in a win, loss and a draw for either side.
- Zac Merrett has had 30+ disposals in his past two matches and 30+ in five of his past six against Collingwood.
- Archie May has kicked 2+ goals in his past three matches.
- Collingwood are averaging just 73 points per game this season.
Head to Head
The last three meetings have resulted in a win, loss and a draw. Collingwood were one-point winners in the ANZAC Day clash last season, with Jamie Elliott kicking five goals, while Steele Sidebottom claimed the ANZAC Day Medal with 36 disposals and 15 clearances. Zach Merrett and Archie Roberts both had 25 disposals for Essendon.
Merrett has had 25+ disposals in his past 10 against the Magpies, including 30+ in five of his past six. Collingwood’s Nick Daicos has averaged 32 disposals in his past four against Essendon, hitting 30+ in three of those.
Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
Essendon snapped a 17-game losing streak with their 45-point win over Melbourne in Gather Round and followed that with a strong performance against Gold Coast, going down by just nine points.
Their recent improvement has been built on pressure and contest work, with clearances and contested possession numbers trending upward, while they have found greater avenues to goal, kicking 17 goals in each of the past two rounds.
The breakthrough against Melbourne was the first time they reached three figures since Round 2 last season. They have had multiple contributors hit the scoreboard, with Isaac Kako, Archie May, Xavier Duursma and Tom Edwards all featuring with two goals in both matches.
Archie Roberts, Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish all had 30+ disposals against the Suns. Roberts has averaged 37 over the past three rounds, while Merrett and Parish have hit 30+ in their past two.
Essendon Bombers Team News
Another concern for Jordan Ridley, who pulled up with calf tightness from the Suns match. He will be carefully monitored given his history with calf issues. Nick Bryan, Zak Johnson and Jayden Nguyen are among those pushing for selection with strong VFL form.
Collingwood Magpies Form Analysis
Collingwood come in with a 3-3 record after coming from 18 points down at three-quarter time to defeat Carlton by five points. Nick Daicos was the standout with 39 disposals, while Jamie Elliott returned to form with three goals.
After sitting at 15-2 late last season, the Magpies have now lost eight of their past 13 home-and-away matches but are 5-0 against sides that did not play finals in 2025.
Scoring remains a concern, ranking 17th for total points with an average of just 73 per game, although they are 3rd for fewest points conceded (76 per game).
Dan McStay leads the goalkicking with 10, while Nick Daicos continues to dominate possession, averaging 36 disposals and hitting 30+ in every game this season. Josh Daicos has had 25+ in five of six.
Collingwood’s ability to surge late and take control in bursts remains a strength, but they are still searching for consistent four-quarter performances. Their scoring struggles mean they rely heavily on midfield dominance and moments of brilliance rather than sustained attacking pressure.
Collingwood Magpies Team News
Steele Sidebottom (hip) and Jordan De Goey (concussion) missed the Carlton match, with a decision on their availability to be made during the week. Darcy Moore is edging closer to a return from a hamstring injury.
Verdict
Bombers with the start. Merrett and May to be among key contributors
Essendon +17.5
Match Line
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Zach Merrett
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Archer May
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Based in Melbourne, Adam is an avid sporting fan that loves a day at the MCG to follow his team, Hawthorn, in the AFL and the Aussies in the cricket, while he doesn't mind a day out at Moonee Valley, Flemington and Caulfield from time to time.
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