Control the contested ball, control the game.

That will be the message from the Essendon coaches to the players heading into Sunday’s round 23 clash against Collingwood.

The boys will have to be on top of their game if they are to overcome a Collingwood outfit who have proven a consistent ability to match it with the best when it comes to contested possession.

Collingwood are currently ranked first in the league for contested possessions, averaging 144.9 per game – showing  the strength of their midfield group.

“They’re a really attacking midfield, they have so many guys that can roll through there,” interim head coach Matthew Egan said.

“Even last week Pendlebury started in some centre bounces but then dropped out.

“(They have) a lot of really food young clearance players in Adams, DeGoey, those sorts of players.

“It’s going to be where the game is won and lost."

It will be a tough ask for Essendon’s midfield, who have struggled throughout the year due to a lack of some experienced bodies.

However, Egan has put his faith in the club’s next generation of players, believing that they have what it takes.

“We’re going to have to match them obviously and put some young players in and amongst it,” Egan said.

“Langford will be there for a little bit, Laverde who we saw in parts [last week] and Dyson Heppell.

“It’s going to be a big factor in the game no doubt.”

Shaun Edwards, Elliott Kavanagh and Tayte Pears all return for the final match of the season to be played this Sunday at the MCG.

Fans are encouraged to come down and see the Bombers for the last time in 2015.