Essendon started with Joe Daniher, Aaron Francis, David Zaharakis, Jayden Laverde, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Jackson Merrett in attack.

Mitch Brown is playing in defence on Rhys Stanley.  Michael Hartley is on Tom Hawkins, Martin Gleeson is on Steve Motlop, Patrick Ambrose is on Daniel Menzel and Courtenay Dempsey is on Jimmy Bartel.

The Bombers spent 94% of the first five minutes in the attacking half, for a return of two points.

Geelong won the contested ball 24-11 in the first ten minutes but it was intercept possessions that led to their first two goals.

Essendon lost two players to injury in the first quarter with both Brendon Goddard and Courtenay Dempsey requiring treatment.  Dempsey returned to the field late in the term, but Goddard's day appears done.