ND: Settle down Magpie, the wait is over.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
You've been extremely chirpy in the lead-up to another Anzac Day match, especially considering you have a seat and will be there, while Bourkey and I will be hard at work.
On form the Magpies have to start favourite.
Just beware the Bombers are on the rebound from two defeats.
KA: I haven't been chirpy, I have been quietly waiting patiently for the game.
Of course a Bombers fan would say the Pies are favourites.
Trying to add a bit more pressure on Collingwood, Doley?
At the beginning of the season I am sure you wouldn't haven't said that.
ND: Turn it up, Magpie.
I am dealing in facts and figures, not trying to jinx your beloved black and white.
That's a problem for you though, because there's always a lot of grey.
My mood was not helped after sitting through the cold at last Saturday night's torchlight procession and then hearing the Bombers had been outplayed by St Kilda.
Today is another day. The Bombers have to start being more direct, chase with more gusto, and most importantly, kick goals, not points.
KA: I usually don't listen to Essendon supporters so your so called non-jinx means nothing to me.
As we both know past form doesn't matter when it comes to Anzac Day.
Yes, Collingwood has been building nicely since round one and Essendon have been going in the opposite direction.
If we look back at games gone past both teams tend to lift for the occasion regardless of where they sit on the ladder.
But at Collingwood we are used to big games because we are the greatest and biggest club in Australia.
ND: The greatest at talking "yourselves up" is undisputable.
The most recent "big game" you played was the final against Port Adelaide at the "G".
Pies were hot favourites, but it was a vintage performance by Port that ended Collingwood's season.
Just watch the likes of Zaharakis, Merrett, Watson and Carlisle light up the G in a crucial clash for the red and black.
KA: You have already changed your tune.
So are the Bombers winning or losing?
It sounds like you don't know what is going to happen.
A bit nervous are we Doley?
ND: Heart says win, but I've tossed the coin more times than you will see at a two-up game on Anzac Day.
Always nervous Magpie, no matter who my club plays.
To all the Pies fans out there, I do like Collingwood, and have many fond memories of listening or watching the Pies play with Ma Barnes.
But like every Essendon fan, I would like a win against Collingwood more than any other team. It works the other way, too.
KA: I would like nothing more than to see the Pies win and to sing the song at the end of the day.
I will be there cheering side by side with the Collingwood army.
It is no doubt going to be a good game with both teams giving it a red-hot crack.
But with big Clokey getting back into form last week, I believe the Pies will be too strong in the end.
My tip is the Magpies to win and my old mate Swanny to win the Anzac Day medal.