Essendon enters its annual Anzac Day clash against Collingwood with a level of belief never held before in James Hird's tenure as coach.



The Bombers' unbeaten start to the season has seen them rocket to the top of the ladder, all while the ASADA investigation continues.



Hird said there was a new found confidence among the players.



"They believe in themselves, they know who they are, they've been thrown challenges and they've met them all the way. The belief is very high," Hird said on Wednesday morning.



Although the club also started last year by winning its first four games, the third-year coach thinks the Bombers are better placed in 2013 to continue that vein of form.



"We've certainly got a better injury list, we've got more players available, we're playing better football than this time last year," he said.



"We may have been 4-0 this time last year but if you look back at the games we were playing we were just beating sides and probably lucky to win a couple of those games. The way we're playing is a lot better, the way we're defending is a lot better.



"But in saying that, Collingwood is an outstanding team and it's going to be a very tough game for both teams tomorrow."



Father-son recruit Joe Daniher remains a strong chance to make his AFL debut on Thursday against the Magpies.



Daniher has shown strong VFL form and would not be daunted by the occasion of Thursday, Hird said.



"The stage is not too big for him to debut," Hird said.



"Whether he plays Anzac Day or whether he plays another game is not the issue. It's whether he fits in the team and we'll make that decision later on.



"Joe's definitely ready. If you've seen him play the last three or four weeks he's very close to playing AFL football."