Crunch time for Bombers

BOMBERS great Matthew Lloyd wants to see Essendon stand and deliver in the AFL Anzac Day blockbuster.

The Bombers goalkicking great says the pressure is on his old club in today’s clash, and Collingwood would prove a major AFL scalp.

This is the 25th Anzac Day clash between the two powerhouse Melbourne clubs, now considered the biggest AFL game outside the finals.

It’s also 15 years since the Bombers last won a final. But Essendon have won their past three games and rarely has the Anzac Day fixture marked a game where the two rivals are in such strong form, with Collingwood also boasting a 3-2 record.

Lloyd pointed out Essendon’s three wins have come against Melbourne and North Melbourne, currently secondlast and last on the ladder, and ninth-placed Brisbane.

“You could say Brisbane were a scalp, because they were playing good football, but they were due,” Lloyd said.

“I actually played in the last winning final, that’s how long ago it was. The pressure is on and there have been enough excuses made.

“(Essendon) have to stand up big-time and I think they’re good enough to win.”

Lloyd repeated his contention that Collingwood’s midfield, while talented, is yet to prove it is top-level.