It’s one of the biggest games of the year.  Here is how the numbers stack up ahead of the Essendon and Collingwood Anzac Day blockbuster.

Head to Head 

Played: 230

Essendon: 100

Collingwood: 126

Draws: 4

Last Five: 

R17, 2014, Essendon 16.7 (103) d Collingwood 5.9 (39) at the MCG

R6, 2014, Collingwood 12.11 (83) d Essendon 8.12 (60) at the MCG

R19, 2013, Collingwood 20.13 (133) d Essendon 7.12 (54) at the MCG

R5, 2013, Essendon 18.13 (121) d Collingwood 10.15 (75) at the MCG

R23, 2012, Collingwood 14.20 (104) d Essendon 10.12 (72) at the MCG 

Key players

  • Travis Cloke has kicked more goals against Essendon than any other team in the competition.
  • Jake Carlisle kicked four goals and took 19 marks last time the sides met.
  • Brent Stanton is warming into the season nicely.  He collected 28 hard running possessions last week. 

Take note

  • In final quarters so far this year, the Bombers have kicked five goals combined against 11 from opponents.
  • The Magpies have won more contested possessions than any team so far in 2015.
  • James Hird, Dustin Fletcher and Nathan Buckley all featured in the Anzac Day draw in 1995.