Ahead of the Anzac Day clash, Collingwood star Nick Daicos is pushing for a quicker start and a tighter balance between attack and defense after a late surge helped beat Carlton, with an emphasis on avoiding a repeat of trailing at three-quarter time.

Daicos, reflecting on his 100th game, notes the need to build on that performance and maintain a disciplined balance to support the Magpies against Essendon.

He points to his last-quarter rally against Carlton as a template, urging the team to start strong and carry momentum into the Anzac Day game.

Coach Craig McRae has ingrained a mindset of finishing strongly, including a focus on kicking the last goal and sealing games.

At 3-3 after six rounds, Collingwood face questions about consistency, having lost to Adelaide, Brisbane, and Fremantle, while still boasting top-class potential.

Daicos cautions that despite the 3-3 start, the Magpies must prove they’re a top-four side and avoid fluctuating form, even as they can play elite football when at their best.

Mental approach matters: Daicos stresses a proactive mindset to avoid late fades and to 목표 a seven-goal opening quarter as a tone-setter.

Essendon has shown improvement and confidence in recent weeks, making a slow Collingwood start potentially dangerous and the opening quarter crucial.

The Magpies must manage energy and balance attack and defense to prevent trailing at three-quarter time, underscoring the importance of a strong first quarter.

The squad’s finish-focused culture is reinforced by Daicos’ remarks and the coaching emphasis, citing past Anzac Day success and the ability to chase down games when behind at three-quarter time.

Daicos recalls his 100th game’s standout moments, including a late-quarter burst that sparked a seven-goal final term and a notable Anzac Day performance.

The Anzac Day game is portrayed as a pivotal test for Collingwood’s consistency and readiness against a rising Essendon side.