Round 7, 2026 Preview | Essendon vs Collingwood Anzac Day: Signs of Growth, Big Test Awaits at the MCG

Anzac Day football always means more.

For Essendon and Collingwood, it is one of the great annual fixtures of the AFL season. The crowd, the ceremony, the occasion and the pressure create a stage unlike any other home and away game.

For the Bombers in 2026, this year’s clash arrives at an interesting moment.

Essendon remains winless after six rounds, but last weekend’s narrow nine-point loss to Gold Coast felt different. It was not a performance of a side outclassed. It was the performance of a young team beginning to find belief, structure and resilience.

Now comes the biggest test yet.

Essendon Showed Progress Against Gold Coast

The scoreboard said defeat, but there were genuine positives for Essendon on the Gold Coast.

The Bombers lifted their pressure, competed strongly around the ball and stayed in the fight for four quarters. Several times it looked like the Suns were about to break the game open, yet Essendon kept responding.

That resilience has not always been present in recent seasons.

While there were moments of frustration, particularly in transition defence and costly centre bounce goals, there was also a clear sense that the side is starting to trust itself.

That matters.

Young AFL teams often lose before they learn how to win. Essendon’s recent performances suggest they may be entering that phase.

The Key Problem: Centre Bounce Damage

Although Essendon won the overall clearance count against Gold Coast, the Suns were far more damaging from those possessions.

That has become a critical storyline.

Winning clearances is one thing. Scoring from them, or preventing scores against, is another.

Gold Coast repeatedly struck at momentum moments:

• When Essendon had built scoreboard pressure

• Late in quarters

• Immediately after Bombers goals

• Early in the final term

Those moments can swing games.

Against experienced teams like Collingwood, limiting damage after centre bounces becomes even more important.

Essendon Midfield Mix Starting to Click

There are growing signs that Essendon’s midfield balance is improving.

The recent combination of:

• Peter Wright taking primary ruck duties

• Elijah Tsatas returning to the side

• Andy McGrath spending more time on-ball

• Darcy Parish building continuity

• Jye Caldwell lifting form

has created a more rounded midfield setup.

Instead of multiple players swarming the same contest, Essendon appears to be showing more trust in spacing, defensive shape and outside support.

That has helped both clearance work and post-clearance movement.

For Bombers fans, that is one of the more encouraging developments of the past fortnight.

Half Forward Pressure Giving Essendon Identity

Modern AFL football is heavily influenced by the half-forward line.

Essendon’s recent setup in that area has shown promise, particularly through:

• Sam Durham

• Archer Day-Wicks

• Sullivan Robey

• Isaac Kako

• Smaller forwards applying repeat heat

Durham continues to provide elite pressure and scoreboard impact, while Day-Wicks has added tackling, spoils and energy.

These roles matter because they help create:

• Forward half turnovers

• Territory control

• Repeat inside 50s

• Defensive accountability

• 
  

Essendon is still a work in progress, but the shape of the side is beginning to make more sense.

Sullivan Robey Gives Bombers Fans Excitement

Essendon supporters are always searching for signs of future stars.

Sullivan Robey’s early appearances have provided exactly that.

Still raw and coming off an interrupted preparation, Robey has already shown:

• Defensive intensity

• Competitive instincts

• Explosive moments

• Goal sense

• High upside athleticism

There is a long way to go, but there is obvious talent to work with.

For a club building toward the future, those glimpses matter.

Collingwood in 2026: Dangerous but Vulnerable

Collingwood enters Anzac Day at 3-3.

They remain difficult to beat because they turn games into arm wrestles, but some underlying numbers suggest they are not at their peak.

Compared to last season:

• Scoring has dropped sharply

• Inside 50 differential has worsened

• Efficiency inside forward 50 has fallen

• Clearance output remains modest

However, they still defend strongly and remain excellent structurally.

That is what makes Collingwood dangerous. Even when not dominant, they stay in games.

Nick Daicos Remains the Biggest Threat

Any Essendon vs Collingwood preview starts with one name.

Nick Daicos.

He is averaging elite numbers and was match-winning again last week against Carlton.

Stopping Daicos completely is unrealistic. Reducing his influence is the challenge.

Essendon’s likely approach should include:

• Physical pressure at stoppages

• Body contact whenever legal opportunities arise

• Team defence on his spread patterns

• Strong matchup minutes from Andy McGrath or similar runners

• Forcing hurried ball use

In Collingwood losses this year, Daicos has still won plenty of the ball, but his efficiency has dropped.

That is the blueprint.

How Essendon Can Win on Anzac Day

If Essendon is to upset Collingwood, several things need to happen.

1. Win the Contest

Collingwood has been below average in contested possession differential this season.

Essendon must attack the source and make it a physical game.

2. Stay Patient with Ball Movement

The Magpies are strong interceptors, especially in defensive 50.

Bombers entries must be smarter than the long hopeful kicks seen at times against Gold Coast.

3. Keep Attacking if in Front

Recent Anzac Day meetings have seen Collingwood chase down leads.

Essendon cannot retreat into preservation mode if leading late.

4. Use Youth and Energy

Hot conditions, recent travel and younger legs could become factors.

Players like Sharp, Robey and Tsatas may have roles to play.

Selection Notes: Dyson Sharp In

Essendon has brought in Dyson Sharp for the big stage.

That inclusion adds excitement and future focus, though it also raises structural questions after the omission of Jade Gresham.

Sharp’s presence gives the Bombers fresh legs and another midfielder option, while Jaxon Prior’s inclusion helps cover the absence of Jordan Ridley.

Why This Feels Bigger Than the Ladder

Yes, four premiership points matter.

But for Essendon, this game is about more than that.

It is about showing:

• The rebuild is progressing

• Young players can handle major occasions

• Structural changes are working

• Belief is growing

A competitive loss would continue the recent trend.

A win would change the conversation entirely.

Final Word

Essendon heads into Anzac Day as the underdog.

That is fair.

Collingwood is more proven, more settled and more experienced.

But the Bombers are showing signs. Their midfield mix is improving, their pressure game is lifting and young talent is emerging.

Now they face the biggest test of all.

Anzac Day at the MCG.

The perfect stage to prove progress is real.

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