James Hird says Essendon's focus is firmly fixed on its meeting with Carlton at the MCG on Saturday, despite having the unusual situation of fronting up four days later to play Collingwood in the annual Anzac Day clash.

 

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The player management required to take strong squads into both games has been impacted by untimely injuries for the Bombers, but Hird said his mind would not turn to the Magpies until after the Carlton game.

""We're thinking about tomorrow,"" Hird said on Friday.

""We have to go out and beat Carlton, and then we'll work it out after that. Our sole focus at the moment is the Carlton Football Club tomorrow at the MCG.""

Hird said none of his planning for the in-form Blues had been influenced by the short turnaround.

""I'm concentrating on Carlton, and beating Carlton, because they're in tremendous form,"" Hird said.

""If you take half an eye off that then we give ourselves no chance.""

Carlton jumped into premiership favouritism after its 60-point win over Collingwood last week, and Hird said the Blues deserved the tag given their strong start to the year. He said ""competing in the contest"" was crucial if Essendon is to challenge its rivals.

 

Despite being subbed out of Essendon's win over Gold Coast last week with hamstring tightness, Courtenay Dempsey will go through a final fitness test on Friday and is expected to face the Blues.

""We want to be careful with Courtenay,"" Hird said. ""He should play tomorrow, but we want to make sure he gets through training today and then pulls up well tomorrow morning.""

The Bombers are wary of the Blues' speedy forwards Jeff Garlett and Eddie Betts, but will attempt to counter them by debuting dangerous crumber Cory Dell'Olio.

The 22-year-old was elevated off the rookie list yesterday and has already impressed in the VFL and through practice matches this year with his positioning and ability near goal.

""He's just an exciting player,"" Hird said.

""He'll have to do the hard work like chase, tackle and defend, but when he gets his hands on the ball it normally ends up in a pretty exciting piece of play.""