Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse is expecting a close encounter in the traditional Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon, with little separating the two sides.

The Magpies and the Bombers both take 2-2 win-loss records into Saturday's AFL clash at the MCG.

Collingwood forwards Paul Medhurst and Anthony Rocca are under injury clouds after suffering knocks in last weekend's win over Brisbane.

They will both be closely monitored in Friday's final training session.

"In the past there have been times when there has been a passive gap between the sides on the ladder," Malthouse said on Thursday.

"This year we're 2-2 each.

"Having said that, even the distance in the past, whether it was first versus 16th or something in between, it's generally been a game that's been undecided until the final siren.

"It's not necessarily done and dusted before the game because of the positions on the ladder.

"(The Anzac Day game) seems to being out the best in people and we've seen some very much sporting-heroic acts which sometimes determine the state of the game."

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