Geelong Revives Season with Convincing Victory Over Essendon in Country Round Clash

Geelong has breathed new life into their 2024 AFL season with a dominant performance against Essendon in the Country Round clash at the MCG.

After a recent slump with just one win in their last seven games, Geelong defied the odds and defeated Essendon for the seventh consecutive time, securing a crucial 45-point victory.

The 16.9 (105) to 9.6 (60) win not only boosted Geelong’s finals hopes but also dealt a blow to Essendon’s top-four aspirations.

The match started under heavy rain, creating slippery conditions, but both teams managed to score seven straight goals in the early stages.

In the first half, Essendon looked more threatening, with key players like Wright, Durham, and Caldwell leading the charge in midfield.

Geelong, however, stayed resilient and leveled the score with an opportunistic Ollie Dempsey goal.

The contest intensified in the second half, and Geelong found their rhythm when their experienced players like Duncan, Dangerfield, and Stewart stepped up.

Essendon’s captain, Merrett, ignited his team with a snap goal early in the match, but Geelong’s pressure and composure gradually took control.

Geelong’s fans rallied behind the team as they displayed speed and efficiency in the second half, scoring 4.2 from their first 10 entries in the third quarter.

Despite Langford breaking the Cats’ goal streak in the final term, Geelong maintained their dominance with contributions from Dempsey and Caldwell.

Youngster Lawson Humphries impressed on debut for Geelong, showcasing his skills off half-back.

One notable change in Geelong’s strategy was using De Koning as the primary ruck, allowing Stewart to play as an inside midfielder and provide dynamic plays.

A controversial call involving a deliberate rushed behind added to the drama, frustrating Essendon fans as Geelong capitalized on the opportunity.

With star forward Tom Hawkins sidelined due to injury, the Cats adjusted their forward line with Cameron playing closer to goal and Neale and Rohan offering marking options.

Geelong’s convincing win against Essendon in the Country Round clash reaffirms their finals ambitions and marks a significant turnaround in their season.