Collingwood have opted against making a late change in the Anzac Day AFL clash against Essendon at the MCG.

The Magpies had been considered a chance to switch to a smaller lineup after steady rain on Tuesday morning, with 211cm forward Mason Cox the most likely to have been left out.

However, with conditions clearing ahead of the 3.20pm bounce, both sides will go in as named.

Classy midfielder Daniel Wells is set to play in Magpies colours for the first time since his off-season trade from North Melbourne.

Cox, who booted a goal with his first kick on debut in last year’s Anzac Day game, returns for his second game of the season.

Coach Nathan Buckley has recalled the American in the hopes of improving the output from his struggling forward line.

The Pies have also recalled midfielder Tom Phillips, with Jesse White, Josh Smith and Jarryd Blair omitted.

Essendon have made two changes, with debutant Ben McNiece and emerging big man Aaron Francis replacing Conor McKenna (suspended) and Kyle Langford (omitted).

The Bombers will be hoping to improve on last year’s Anzac Day showing – a 69-point thrashing in which Collingwood piled on 22 goals.

The Pies are desperate to improve their 1-3 record this season and to maintain their recent supremacy in the fixture, having won the past three encounters.

Up to 85,000 fans are expected to attend the highly-anticipated clash.