Geelong Cats experienced their final hit-out of the pre-season with mixed emotions, falling to Essendon by 21 points at GMHBA Stadium on February 25, 2025. Despite the loss, Geelong displayed numerous positives, particularly among their young players, setting the stage for the opening round of the AFL.
The match started with Geelong trailing by 15 points at quarter time, after conceding four of the first five goals to the Bombers. Indeed, the first term was less than ideal, and the Cats looked to bounce back. But by quarter two, the Cats found their rhythm, slotting six goals and taking a slender three-point lead to half-time.
One of the bright spots for Geelong was Jack Bowes. He was unstoppable, racking up 31 disposals, five clearances, and six inside 50s, capped off with a goal to anchor the Cats’ midfield. Gryan Miers also impressed, collecting 30 disposals and contributing significantly with his own goal.
Essendon's promising young duo, Isaac Kako and Nate Caddy, echoed their potential, combining for seven goals whilst spearheading Essendon’s attack. Kako notched four goals, showcasing remarkable finishing skills, and he should have had more, as Sam Draper deflected one of his attempts to score.
On the other side, Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale were also key for the Cats, with Cameron contributing two goals alongside Neale's impressive gameplay. The two seemed to develop good chemistry on the field, something commentator Jack Riewoldt noted would be fascinating to watch this season.
The game's intensity never waned. Both sides traded goals throughout the second half, with Geelong holding the lead midway through the final term. It took Essendon’s explosive finishing, scoring four unanswered goals, to secure the win, showcasing their resilience.
Riewoldt pointed out the significance of Geelong’s young forward line, observing, "With the Tom Hawkins era firmly in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on Neale as he joins forces with four-time All-Australian superstar Cameron to spearhead the Cats’ attack." This combination seems poised to shape Geelong's performance as the season progresses.
While Geelong’s efforts may not have translated to victory, head coach Chris Scott expressed optimism post-game. “Geelong will reap the benefits of this solid hit-out to close out their pre-season,” he stated, emphasizing the team’s growth and preparation for the opening round against Brisbane.
On Essendon’s side, the young talent of Kako and Caddy brought enthusiasm and hope for Bomber fans who watched them excel. Caddy, with limited disposals, was incredibly efficient, managing to score three goals and pairing effectively with Kako throughout the match.
Football analysts and commentators provided glowing reviews of both players, with Riewoldt stating, “He’s going to be a star,” referring to Caddy’s on-field work rate and capability to influence the game. Kako, also only 18, seemed to be everywhere on the field, constantly involved and leading his side with remarkable energy.
With the match drawing to its conclusion, and the scoreboard reading 104-83, Geelong and Essendon both had their share of good moments and teachable lessons. For the Cats, the focus will now shift to preparing for the high-stakes encounter against Brisbane at the Gabba next Thursday.
The AAMI Community Series has provided both teams with the necessary framework to assess their capabilities and understand what works moving forward. This game, particularly for the Cats, is expected to be part of their larger strategy as they hone their gameplay and seek to establish new muscle memory with rotations and strategies as the season kicks off.
With this pre-season showing, fans from both clubs can look forward to seeing how these young talents thrive and contribute to the aspirations of their teams. Always, the hope remains for excellence and triumph throughout the demanding AFL season.