On Tuesday night, the Geelong Cats will face off against the Essendon Bombers at GMHBA Stadium as part of the AAMI Community Series, which serves as the official lead-up to the AFL season. With significant player absences impacting both sides, the match is set to be more than just a preseason warm-up.
Geelong will be missing key recruit Bailey Smith, who, after suffering knee soreness during match simulations against Hawthorn, will not suit up. The decision to keep Smith out aims to manage his recovery before the Cats' season opener against Brisbane on March 6, according to reports from Fox Sports.
Smith's absence is compounded by the sidelining of midfielder Tanner Bruhn due to a finger injury, which may require surgical intervention. Bruhn joins other absentees, including Jack Martin and the injured duo of Cam Guthrie and Shaun Mannagh.
While Geelong is dealing with its share of injuries, the Bombers welcome back several key players. Notably, Sam Durham, Ben McKay, and Jordan Ridley are returning to the lineup after missing previous match simulations. On the other hand, Essendon will have to contend without important defender Mason Redman, who is recuperated from a knock sustained during their practice match against the Western Bulldogs.
The match will adhere to AFL regulations, comprising four 20-minute quarters, along with additional time, mimicking regular season conditions. Notably, there will be no interchange cap, allowing each club to name up to 30 players, which will help with player rotations throughout the game.
Both teams are gearing up for their first official matches of the season, with the Cats facing the Brisbane Lions and Essendon up against the Gold Coast Suns shortly after this community series matchup. Key performances from this game may influence selection decisions for the regular season as both teams strive for early momentum.
Gearing up for the clash, Geelong's lineup is led by established figures like Patrick Dangerfield and their promising young players, including Mitch Knevitt and Connor O'Sullivan. Meanwhile, Tyson Stengle and Lawson Humphries are set to make their 2025 debuts after participating in the Indigenous All-Stars game.
For Essendon, young talents like Jade Gresham will be pivotal as they aim to create impact on the field, especially with their notable absentees like Darcy Parish and the managed Redman. The team's depth will certainly be tested as they look to expand their strategies and gel before the season begins.
The game promises to be broadcast live on Fox Footy, providing fans with the opportunity to catch all of the action from the comfort of their homes. With the stakes high and both teams eager to find their rhythm, the matchup is not just another preseason game; it's a significant step toward the upcoming AFL season.
Heading down the final stretch toward the season kickoff, the AAMI Community Series serves as more than just a friendly; it is the proving ground for what may shape the fortunes of the Cats and Bombers as they strive for greatness this year.