AFL round 17 LIVE updates: Can the Magpies pull off another ...

Are we feeling nervous Bombers fans? Hopeful, Collingwood ones?

The Magpies have kicked the last two goals of the game, through Brody Mihocek and Nathan Kreuger, to draw the margin back down to 19 points.

Some worrying signs for the Magpies camp, however, as Mihocek came from the field after landing awkwardly on his shoulder and went straight down to the rooms.

Bombers by 19

Essendon’s big second half continues with Peter Wright kicking his second of the night, his side’s third this final term.

The Bombers now have a five-goal lead, midway through this final term.

Bombers by 31

Things are looking good for the Bombers now.

Two goals in quick succession this final term has made things very hard for the Magpies. Kyle Langford had the chance to make it three, but he missed (and somewhat badly, it can’t be everyone’s night).

Essendon are running in numbers, creating and finding space, and opening up opportunities. Their defensive game is also suffocating any ball movement from Collingwood. The Magpies are in desperate need for a spark here.

Bombers by 31

Nate Caddy of the BombersCredit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

That’s some added pressure for Collingwood.

Matt Guelfi has kicked off the fourth quarter with a huge goal on the run, putting the Bombers up by 23 points.

Bombers by 23

Essendon dominated that quarter and now have the run of the game.

The Bombers contained the Magpies in close and intercepted anything that came free. If anything, they were wasteful up forward, but the opportunities they made eventually had their reward.

They were a team with their tails up, and they played that way. Collingwood is starting to look like a team that has stretched its luck - and list - too far.

They lost their run and could neither stick nor break tackles, trademark Collingwood virtues gone. Just before three-quarter time, they subbed in club debutant Ned Long. They really needed Houdini.

Collingwood v EssendonCredit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

Well, we’ve been here before.

Collingwood, the comeback kings, are going to have to come from behind in the final quarter if they want to win the game.

Essendon kicked four goals to zilch in the third quarter to give themselves a handy 17-point lead at the final change. Can the Bombers hang on or will the Magpies pull another a final term comeback?

Bombers by 17 at 3QT

Essendon celebrate a goal.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Bombers have kicked the last three goals of the game, and the five of the last six. They are well and truly on top now after a slow start against the Magpies.

The latest from Xavier Duursma, with his trademark bow and arrow.

Collingwood have pulled the trigger on their sub, sending Ned Long on. The big-bodied midfielder joined the Pies as mid-season draftee, after playing six games previously with Hawthorn.

Bombers by 12

Nate Caddy and Sam Draper of the Bombers.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

Darcy Moore would have been relieved Nate Caddy’s latest set shot missed to the right.

The Collingwood skipper’s kick out was intercepted by the young Bomber, giving Essendon another shot on goal.

It was a blunder from Moore, but he has been standing tall this game. He has copped a bit of criticism recently for a drop in form after earning an All Australian blazer last season, where he became a premiership captain.

But today, he’s been a thorn in Essendon’s side, after spoiling a number of the Bombers’ forward entries.