Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse views the AFL Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon as a key test for how his players handle big-game pressure.

Malthouse will coach the Magpies for the ninth time on Friday in an Anzac Day game and he said these matches were almost as important as finals when it came to rating his players.

"It is different - it's a judgmental day, I will certainly be judging players on their capacity to play before a big crowd and the occasion," he said.

"I've always rated finals as a precursor to whether you keep players on your list or not, whether they can hold up, and I don't really see a great deal of difference, quite frankly, in this game.

"Players are expected to hold up on this day."

Collingwood key forward Anthony Rocca did not train on Thursday, but Malthouse expects him to play.

The Magpies lost Brodie Holland and Ben Reid with leg injuries, while regaining Nick Maxwell from suspension and recalling Ryan Cook.

Essendon brought back Courtney Johns for Nathan Lovett-Murray.

The Magpies and Bombers will go into the game needing some form, having lost their last two matches for 2-3 records.

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