The 14.17 (101) to 7.10 (52) win is the Magpies' third in a row and sets up an absorbing Sunday duel against reigning premiers Richmond.

Adam Treloar won the Anzac Medal for best afield and Collingwood now have a 14-9 advantage over Essendon in the April 25 blockbuster, with one draw.

The last time the Pies were in the top eight was round 15, 2015.

By contrast, the Bombers were awful and veteran Brendon Goddard came in for plenty of criticism after he had some heated exchanges with teammates in the second half as their game fell apart.

But Goddard and coach John Worsfold strongly defended his behaviour, with the veteran saying he is animated at the best of times.

And Wednesday was back to the worst of times for the Bombers, whose form so far this season has been wildly inconsistent.

Only Collingwood's inaccuracy and two late consolation goals stopped a blowout.

But coach Nathan Buckley was spending no time enjoying their Anzac Day triumph and solid form, given they have four days to prepare for a return to the MCG and the massive challenge of Richmond.

"Once we're out of here, we won't be talking about Anzac Day or Essendon any more," Buckley said.

"Richmond are the benchmark side at the moment, so we're looking forward to that challenge.

"The challenge (is also) looking after our own backyard, to front up in as good a nick as we possibly can and impose our game style for as long as we can on Sunday."

Buckley was unhappy with how Collingwood started but by early in the second term they had control.

In the third quarter, Essendon were kicking sideways and backwards, rather than risk a turnover with a kick into attack.

"Going forward was hurting us - I hate to say that but we didn't really want to kick it inside our forward line because that was setting up Collingwood's scoring opportunities," Worsfold said.

Essendon also have four days to regroup for the Etihad Stadium clash against Melbourne, who are also out of form and coming off their Anzac Eve loss to the Tigers.

"We're an average or below-average team right now," Worsfold said.

"How are we going to become a great team? Because we know we're miles off being a great team."

Essendon also will be without Josh Begley (knee) and Josh Green (hamstring strain) for Sunday but Worsfold said Orazio Fantasia (groin) might be a chance to return.

While Treloar richly deserved the Anzac medal with 34 disposals and two goals, fellow onballers Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jordan De Goey and ruckman Brodie Grundy also starred.

Australian Associated Press