AFL premiers Collingwood have described last year's battlers Essendon as "really dangerous" ahead of Friday night's NAB Cup grand final.

Magpie ruckman Darren Jolly says he's not surprised that the Bombers have cut through the pre-season draw to make the cup decider after struggling through last season.

"They've got a good list and obviously they've had a lot of hype over the pre-season with James (Hird) and the new coaches coming along," Jolly said.

"They're quick, they're lively and they've got great enthusiasm.

"The way they're playing at the moment, I suppose, is really, really dangerous for us.

"We'll watch them closely and we'll really have to be on our game to have a show."

Jolly said Essendon had improved dramatically in several key areas.

"Their press is certainly a lot better than last year and their contested ball is probably the noticeable one that they've improved in."

Jolly said that Collingwood was set to field a strong side which was likely to include stars Alan Didak, Heath Shaw and Luke Ball.

"They're all back, we've got a few actually in the list, we've got a healthy list at the moment to choose from," Jolly added.

Jolly will be making only his second pre-season appearance this week which he said was something that had been scheduled earlier.

"It was just a plan to play two games going into round one," Jolly said.

"I think the majority of the senior players are on that plan.

"Don't worry, I was eager to get out there but I had to stick with the two games."

Jolly said that captain Nick Maxwell was now resting after suffering a heavy bump last week.

"I think his ribs are fairly sore and I think we just have to wait and see how bad they are," he said.

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