SO FAR THIS YEAR:

Geelong are firing on all cylinders as they ramp up their finals pursuit. Coming off their third straight win against the Bulldogs last week, Geelong will be looking to secure their position in the top four openly declaring this a ‘percentage boosting’ game. 

THE TEAM:

B: Mackie, Taylor, Enright

HB: Bew, Lonergan, Henderson

C: Guthrie, J. Selwood, Blicavs

HF: S.Selwood, Smith, Motlop

F: Bartel, Hawkins, Menzel

FOL: Stanley, Dangerfield, Duncan

IC: Caddy, Cockatoo, Cowan, Menegola

Em: Kersten, Lang, Rugjes 

In: Henderson, S. Selwood, Caddy 

Out: McCarthy (Abductor), Kolodjashnij (Managed), Ruggles (Omitted) 

THE NUMBERS:  

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Patrick Dangerfield:

It’s hard not to watch Dangerfield when he takes to the field. He is having a memorable first season with the Cats averaging 31.6 disposals, 16.1 contested possessions and 5 tackles a game, as well as kicking 20 goals for the year. While it may be hard to stop Dangerfield, he will at least need to be held accountable. It will require a team effort from the Essendon midfielders to make him work for his possessions. 

Jimmy Bartel:

Celebrating his 300th game with a win over the Bulldogs last week, Bartel is still pure class. His ability to impact while playing in a range of positions will prove a massive point of danger for the Bombers.  

Harry Taylor:

If Essendon choose to play a loose man in defence, Harry Taylor may be left free in the Bombers’ forward line. This will make an already tough job harder for our young forward line. Taylor leads the Cats for marks this season with 108 so far and averaging 6 a game. Henderson’s return to the team will also allow him to play more freely.