HEAD TO HEAD:

Played 213
Won  113
Lost 95
Draws 5

LAST FIVE TIMES:

R10, 2015, Geelong Cats 19.8 (122) d Essendon 7.11 (53) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2014, Geelong Cats 13.11 (89) d Essendon 11.14 (80) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2013, Geelong Cats 17.11 (113) d Essendon 11.19 (85) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2012, Geelong Cats 20.14 (134) d Essendon 10.7 (67) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2011, Essendon 18.7 (115) d Geelong Cats 16.15 (111) at Etihad Stadium

LAST TIME WE MET:

It was a game to forget the last time we met the Cats, as they ran away big winners for the night. The highlights were few and far between, but we saw an important game from Brendon Goddard who collected 31-disposals and veteran Adam Cooney who kicked two goals. We’ll be hoping for a much more competitive performance this time around.

KEY PLAYERS:

The inclusion of Craig Bird is a timely one with the midfielder potentially set to play a run with role on one the Cats’ star midfielders. Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield will both require some attention if Essendon seek to win the midfield battle. Matthew Leuenberger’s work in the ruck will also be important to help give the boys the first use of the ball.

Our defenders will have a big task ahead of them as they look to nullify the impact of a powerful Geelong attack lead by Tom Hawkins. Michael Hartley and James Gwilt will both need to be on top of their games and not give an inch to the opposition.

James Kelly, Mathew Stokes and Mitch Brown will come up against their old side for the first time since joining the Bombers. Hopefully, they will be able to provide our boys with a bit of inside information! Kelly will also be crucial across the backline and will be looking to continue his work so far this season of intercepting the ball and helping rebound 50.