Essendon trails Geelong by 27 points at half-time in the Bombers’ final JLT Community Series whiteout at GMHBA Stadium.

Geelong was the sharper team earlier in the contest, booting the first three goals of the game and controlling the play on their home turf.

But after taking some time to settle into the game, the Bombers began to work their way into the contest and dynamic forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti got the ball rolling with a smart snap goal.

Bold and direct movement through the corridor was a feature of Essendon’s opening term as the side looked to quickly bridge the gap on the scoreboard.

Experienced midfielder David Myers was a beneficiary of the fast-paced attacks through the centre of the ground, getting out the back of his opponents to kick the Bombers’ second goal thanks to a sensational pass from Jake Stringer.

Promising youngster Jordan Ridley then coolly converted a set shot as Essendon claimed the lead for the first time, taking a two-point buffer into the first change.

SEE THE BEST PHOTOS FROM THE JLT COMMUNITY SERIES CLASH WITH THE CATS

Geelong drew first blood once again in the second term and regained the ascendency with the opening two goals of the term, but the Dons were up to the task again, moving the ball with purpose to set up Mitch Brown’s first major.

The seesawing continued throughout the quarter, with Stringer outdoing a tidy boundary-line finish from Cat Gary Rohan with a stunning snap of his own from deep in the forward pocket.

But it was the Cats who regained control of the game, finishing with six goals to two in the term to finish with a rush and take the healthy lead into the main break.

Skipper Dyson Heppell led the way for the Bombers in the first half with 16 disposals, while midfielders Zach Merrett (14 disposals) and Dylan Shiel (13) have also been productive through the middle.

The second half will prove extremely important for both sides as the final dress rehearsal for the home and away season comes to a close.

See the full match report and post-game coverage on essendonfc.com.au.

GEELONG   3.1    9.6 (60)
ESSENDON 3.3    5.3 (33)

GOALS
Geelong – Rohan 2, Ratugolea 2, Hawkins 2 Menegola, Kelly, Ablett
Essendon – McDonald-Tipungwuti, Myers, Ridley, Brown, Stringer

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