By MickC

SIR James Hird says this is the most important Essendon-Collingwood game since the 1990 Grand Final.

The question is how are we going to win it?

I think the following key factors will all play a part, big or small:

Alan Richardson – Richo was involved intimately for some time with Collingwood’s development players. He knows the Goldsacks, Dicks, Anthonys, Wellinghams, Browns and Tooveys like the back of his hand. Not to mention he has the rest of their playing list covered. His tactical nous will help in a closely-fought game.

The mental advantage – we have players who LOVE playing the Pies because individually they perform well against them. Alwyn Davey kicks goals against them (eg 2007 Anzac Day), Paddy Ryder will feel 10 feet tall rucking against Fraser, Andy Lovett always is up for these games and Kyle Reimers likes tormenting them.

Speed – Mick Malthouse has conceded this week we are the quicker side. And you know what Mick? You are right, fella. And it’s possible since we last met the Pies have got slower. Two of their fastest players – Barham and Clarke – won’t be appearing tonight. It can rain all day and night but quick players are still quick players. Lovett, Dempsey, Winderlich, Davey, Dyson, Lovett-Murray etc will be instrumental in our triumphant display.

Blockbuster fatigue – Collingwood don’t like the blockbusters. They whine and moan about them all the time. The result is it seeps into the players psyche. Essendon players, on the other hand, lap up the big stage. They are young and brave, nothing scares them. To borrow a line from a well-known song ``the other teams they don’t fear!’’

Essendon by 28 points.