
Image credits: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Essendon Bombers have secured a 21-point win over the Geelong Cats in their AAMI Community Series match, with a final score of 17.2 (104) to 12.11 (83). The match, played at GMHBA Stadium, saw the Bombers' young guns shine, with Isaac Kako scoring four goals and Nate Caddy adding three. Kako's impressive performance has all but guaranteed his spot in the team for the opening round of the season, and he is being touted as a Rising Star contender for 2025.
The Bombers' midfield domination, led by Zach Merrett, Jye Caldwell, and Elijah Tsatas, was a key factor in their win. Tsatas, in particular, had a standout game, collecting 31 disposals and 10 clearances. The team's speed and agility were also notable, with the Bombers registering 13 more handballs to kicks in the first term. Dylan Shiel, who has been training in defence, also showed promising signs, collecting 25 disposals and providing a new lease on life in the backline.
The Cats, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with their usual accuracy and composure missing from their game. Despite this, they still managed to score 12 goals, with Jeremy Cameron and Jack Henry being notable performers. The team's ability to score quickly, either through counter-attacks or centre bounces, was also a positive sign. Geelong's assistant coach, Steven King, stated that the team would settle down now and prepare for the opening rounds, with Bailey Smith certain to return and Rhys Stanley remaining in contention to play in the ruck.
The Bombers' win has given them a confidence boost ahead of the new season, and they will be looking to carry this momentum into their opening round match against the Gold Coast. The team's ability to defend the ground was good early in the game, but began to fall away as the Cats attacked in a more staggered formation. However, their intent and pressure were excellent in the final quarter, and they will be looking to build on this performance in the coming weeks. The match scores were as follows:
- Geelong: 2.3, 8.4, 10.7, 12.11 (83)
- Essendon: 5.0, 8.1, 11.2, 17.2 (104)
- Geelong: Cameron 2, Stengle 2, Neale 2, Henry, Dangerfield, Blicavs, Bowes, Miers, Clohesy
- Essendon: Kako 4, Caddy 3, Martin 2, Perkins 2, Durham 2, Gresham 2, Bryan, Draper
The Bombers' best players were Kako, Tsatas, Shiel, Caddy, Jones, Merrett, and McGrath, while the Cats' best were Miers, Cameron, J. Henry, Knevitt, Holmes, and Bowes. The crowd attendance was 11,626 at GMHBA Stadium. With the new season just around the corner, the Bombers will be looking to build on this promising performance and make a strong start to the 2025 season.
essendon geelong bomber cat afl kako caddy aami nate isaac
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