Brenton Sanderson

So what will McRae's game plan be to beat the Bombers?

Number one, if I'm Craig McRae, I'm squeezing Essendon's ball movement early.

So take away those mark chains.

I mentioned how they've gone back to more of a possession game in the last two games.

So get the game in a contest as early as you can.

So get that sort of high, aggressive forward press going.

Force Essendon wide, slow, and predictable.

And I think if Essendon are forced to kick long down the line early in this game, that's a little mini win for Collingwood.

So get the ball out of their hands.

Make them force them, kick them long to a contest.

I've mentioned it all this season.

Collingwood's weakness has been winning effective clearance.

So McRae must develop a strategy to prevent Essendon getting on top in this phase of the game.

So they've only won clearances head-to-head once this season, Collingwood.

So that's one of his biggest challenges this week is how can they get on top around stoppage and clearance.

And if they can win contested possession and not get beaten in clearance, disrupt Essendon's kick and mark game, I think the Pies can win.

I'm not sure if this is the right way for Brad Scott.

It is a risky one.

But to take away Collingwood's turnover game, you've got to protect the ball with your offense.

So take lower risk kicks exiting D50.