Essendon started the match with Matthew Leuenberger, Jobe Watson, Zach Merrett and Brendon Goddard in for the centre bounce.

Michael Hurley started on Alex Fasolo in the Bombers defensive half. Mitch Brown was on Mason Cox, Mark Baguley was on Jamie Elliott and Patrick Ambrose was on Darcy Moore.

Cale Hooker, Joe Daniher, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Orazio Fantasia and Josh Green are lining up in attack.

The Bombers started the match with five forwards. The Dons used their ‘+1’ off the back of the centre square.

The Dons used the ball at an efficiency rate of 62 per cent throughout the first 25 minutes of the match. Collingwood used the ball at 35 per cent during this time as Essendon opened a 19-point lead.

For the final three minutes of the opening term, Hooker played a kick behind the ball.  The Bombers held on to their 19 point lead - the advantage was the biggest lead the Dons have held at quarter time since round one 2015.

Two of the Bombers opening five goals came from stoppage wins at boundary throw ins.

Collingwood hit back in the second term, spending more time in its forward half.  Steele Sidebottom had more than 200 metres gained for the term.

At the main break, the match is in the balance.