DUSTIN Fletcher and Michael Hurley are set to miss Essendon's biggest test of the year against Collingwood on Thursday, but the club could regain forward Stewart Crameri for the Anzac Day clash.

Fletcher missed last week's win over St Kilda with a groin strain, while Crameri was a late withdrawal with a knee injury.

Hurley played perhaps his best game of the year against the Saints before rolling his ankle and being substituted out of the game.

Captain Jobe Watson said the club was hopeful Fletcher would be available to play against Greater Western Sydney in round six, along with Hurley, who has escaped any significant damage to his ankle.

"I think [Hurley] probably is a good chance to play GWS [in round six]. Just with the short turnaround being an ankle injury. There's no structural damage but in five days it's very difficult to get up," Watson said.

Fletcher was a part of the group of Bombers to take to Windy Hill on Monday, although Hurley was not sighted. Crameri took part in individual duties in the recovery session.

The Bombers' healthy level of depth means, despite the injuries to key players, the club is still in a strong position as they advance their unbeaten start to the year.

Watson said the level of players competing for spots was producing a competitive environment.

"I think it's creating a lot of hunger among the VFL guys," he said.

"When you get that competitive type of hunger out of a VFL side it means not only are guys in a good mindset to play when they get that opportunity, but they've got the VFL fitness as well and they're not coming off injuries."

The Magpies have had the edge over the Bombers in recent times, winning the past seven encounters between the clubs.

The last time Essendon claimed the points was in 2009's thrilling Anzac Day match, when Bomber David Zaharakis kicked the winning goal.

Travis Cloke looms as the man the Bombers need to stop after his hulking seven-goal haul against Richmond on Saturday, but Watson said in-form young defender Jake Carlisle would be ready for the challenge.

"He doesn't seem to be too fazed by opponents and their reputations," Watson said.

"Obviously Travis is probably the No.1 key forward in the game in terms of his ability to take contested marks in dangerous positions. He's a monster of a bloke.

"Jake will get the opportunity and I don't think he'll be overawed by that."

Follow AFL website reporter Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey