Today’s feature Anzac day match is between Essendon Bombers and Collingwood Magpies. The opening bounce is set to commence at 2:40pm local time with the game to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Magpies are current favourites for the match with Essendon fielding a depleted team. View our preview, teams and information for the game between Essendon Bombers and Collingwood Magpies on Anzac day.

Round: Round 5 2:40 PM April 25, 2013
Stadium: MCG
Weather: 22° Partly cloudy.

Featured Bookmakers:

Essendon Bombers $2.30 vs Collingwood Magpies $1.65 at Sportsbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match

Essendon Bombers $2.28 vs Collingwood Magpies $1.65 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match

Odds Comparison:

Essendon Bombers	2.30	2.25	2.28	2.25	2.30	2.30
Collingwood Magpies	1.65	1.65	1.65	1.65	1.65	1.63

Preview:

One of the highlights in the AFL season is the Anzac clash between the Bombers and Magpies.

This particular match has produces some epic encounters over the years and I’d expect this one to be no different.

The Bombers have had plenty to distract them off the field this season but the playing group, led by Brownlow medallist Jobe Watson, have been outstanding and remain, along with Geelong and Port, unbeaten after four rounds

After a sensational effort to come back from near 40 points down during the game against Fremantle in WA a fortnight ago, the Bombers accounted for a struggling St. Kilda outfit last week – 128-91.

Collingwood also recorded a comfortable victory last week (113 – 79) over Richmond who were unbeaten leading into the match.

The Tigers were more than competitive in the first half but as champions outfits tend to do, Collingwood rallied and produced an outstanding third quarter that saw them seven goals to Richmond’s two.

That was the Pie’s third win this fourth win this season, the only loss coming against Hawthorn.

The Bombers couldn’t be in a better position to face their toughest test to date this season but Collingwood have won the past seven encounters between the two sides and expect they’ll be too good here as well.

Teams:

Essendon Bombers:

1 Michael Hibberd
2 Tom Bellchambers
3 Scott Gumbleton
4 Jobe Watson
5 Brent Stanton
8 Jason Winderlich
9 Brendon Goddard
11 David Zaharakis (INT)
12 Stewart Crameri
15 Courtenay Dempsey
16 Tayte Pears (EMG)
17 Jake Melksham (EMG)
19 David Hille
20 Jackson Merrett
21 Dyson Heppell
22 Jake Carlisle
23 David Myers (INT)
26 Cale Hooker
29 Alwyn Davey
32 Travis Colyer (INT)
34 Kyle Hardingham
39 Heath Hocking (INT)
40 Ben Howlett
42 Nathan Lovett-Murray (EMG)
46 Mark Baguley

In:
Kyle Hardingham, Travis Colyer, Stewart Crameri

Out:
Michael Hurley (Ankle), Tayte Pears (Omitted), Jake Melksham (Omitted)

Milestones:
Kyle Hardingham – Playing 50th game ,
David Myers – Playing 50th game

Collingwood Magpies:

1 Alex Fasolo (INT)
2 Jordan Russell (INT)
3 Brent Macaffer (INT)
6 Tyson Goldsack
8 Harry O’Brien
9 Martin Clarke
10 Scott Pendlebury
11 Jarryd Blair
13 Dale Thomas
15 Jarrod Witts (EMG)
16 Nathan Brown
19 Jamie Elliott
20 Ben Reid
21 Quinten Lynch
22 Steele Sidebottom
24 Josh Thomas (EMG)
25 Ben Hudson
27 Ben Kennedy (EMG)
28 Ben Sinclair
32 Travis Cloke
34 Alan Toovey
36 Dane Swan
39 Heath Shaw
40 Paul Seedsman (INT)
41 Sam Dwyer

In:
Tyson Goldsack

Out:
Josh Thomas (Omitted)

Jake Carlisle signs before big game

Exciting young defender Jake Carlisle on Wednesday recommitted to Essendon until the end of the 2015 AFL season, after signing a new two-year deal.

Carlisle has played a pivotal role in the club’s impressive start to the season, after keeping a hold on a number of the competition’s leading forwards.

The 21-year-old put pen to paper on the eve of the traditional Collingwood Anzac Day clash.

“I couldn’t be happier. It’s a privilege to play for a club with such a rich and proud history, and it means a lot to recommit to the club that gave me an opportunity and drafted me,” Carlisle said.

“It’s great to re-sign for another two years, it’s a great place to be and I’m really happy to be here.

“I’m glad I could get my contract signed so early in the season so I can just focus purely on my football and developing my game.”

Senior coach James Hird said Carlisle’s decision to re-sign was a wonderful show of faith in the club.

“I think it’s tremendous to see Jake commit for another two years. He is the future of our football club and is one of the reasons why our members and supporters should be excited about the future,” said Hird.

“Jake’s start to this year – his positioning, his spoiling, his ability to take strong marks – and the way he uses the ball, we know we’ve got a very good player on our hands and we need to treat him well and keep developing him.

“Jake is a hard working young man with tremendous talent, but the most pleasing thing is he understands he still has a way to go if he’s to develop into the player we know he can be.”