THE VFL markets itself as the competition where the ‘‘AFL meets grassroots’’.And it’s a slogan that epitomises today’s round 16 clash between the Bendigo Bank Bombers and Collingwood.The sides are aligned to two of the AFL’s power clubs – Essendon and Collingwood – with the match to be played in suburban Bendigo at Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.It promises to be a tough assignment for the Bombers, who can secure their first finals berth since 2007 with a victory over the Magpies.With Collingwood flying on top of the AFL ladder, its VFL side is stacked with talent.The Collingwood VFL side today includes players of the calibre of Josh Fraser (199 AFL games), Tarkyn Lockyer (226), Shane O’Bree (246), Paul Medhurst (167) and John Anthony (42).“It’s a big game for us; Collingwood has obviously got a very good side in, so it’s going to be a good challenge,’’ Bombers coach Shannon Grant said yesterday.“It’s going to be really good for our young players and their development to be able to play against a quality opposition.’’Heading into today’s match, Collingwood (9-6) sits in sixth position on the ladder, one game clear of the eighth-placed Bombers (8-7).But the Bombers will go into the game with plenty of confidence after their brilliant three-point win over top side Williamstown at Burbank Oval last week.“We’ve proven that we can match it with the sides above us, so that’s what we will be aiming to do again against Collingwood,’’ Grant said.The Bombers side has been strengthened by the return of Essendon rookie Marcus Marigliani and star midfielder Hayden Skipworth, while Bendigo Pioneer Anthony Dennis has been selected as the side’s 23rd player.Today will be the Bombers’ second game at Tannery Lane, having defeated the Werribee Tigers by 10 points at the ground two weeks ago.“The boys now know the surroundings and all that type of stuff, but we’ve just got to make sure we turn up with the right frame of mind and ready for a tough contest,’’ Grant said.“We know how proud the Collingwood group is, so they will be keen to bounce back after losing to Port Melbourne last week.’’The Bombers and Collingwood have already met once this season, with Bendigo winning by 30 points at Victoria Park in round three.Today’s game starts at noon.