AS ESSENDON and Collingwood prepare for tomorrow's annual blockbuster at the MCG, Marrar coach Clint Taylor is readying his troops for his own "grand final".

Taylor will lead the Bombers onto Robertson Oval tonight to play just his second Anzac Challenge.

He has never been successful in winning the perpetual trophy - an old artillery shell - having lost to the Magpies by 23 points last year when Marrar kicked a woeful 8.17.

Just like the AFL's traditional April 25 fixture, Taylor says it's a game unlike any other.

"Last year was my first time playing in the Anzac game, I'd always been watching on from the sideline before that," Taylor said.

"I found out how special it is, there's always a really good vibe to this game and it means a lot to everyone.

"Apart from a grand final I'd say it's our biggest game of the season."

Marrar will be out to tip the ledger tonight as The Rock-Yerong Creek has held the wood over its old rival during the five-year history of the Anzac Challenge.

The Bombers had the chance to win last year but ruined any hope with their poor goal kicking, despite the presence of Sydney Swans legend Michael O'Loughlin up forward.

Marrar has another good opportunity tonight as it takes on a Magpies outfit weakened by several big off-season departures.

But Taylor says he won't count his chickens until the final siren sounds.

"I'm not reading too much into their losses," he said.

"They are going to be tough.

"There's a great rivalry between the clubs and we know it's going to be a good, hard game."

Taylor singled out TRYC coach and experienced midfielder Dave Pieper as a danger man, but said the Bombers won't be assigning any run-with roles too early in the game.

Both clubs have endured a difficult preparation for the Thursday fixture thanks to the Easter weekend general bye.

The Bombers have trained Tuesday and Wednesday nights which Taylor admits isn't the ideal lead-up to a game.

"It's been difficult, especially with not being able to train Monday, but we had a good hit-out last (Tuesday) night so the boys are right to go," he said.

Marrar yesterday named rugby league convert Nathan Smith to debut for the club, while Jeremy Graetz returns in favour of Jarrod Thorwesten who is an emergency.

TRYC has brought in Scott Mazzocchi and Pete McRorie in place of the suspended Dale Hugo and injured Ayden Adams.