Essendon have come from 27 points down at three-quarter time to beat the Bombers by three points in Colac.
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Final score
Geelong 15.7 (97)
Essendon 15.11 (101)
The Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats face off in their last hit-out before the season proper of 2018.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from the JLT Community Series game at Central Reserve in Colac on Sunday afternoon, starting from 1:05pm (AEDT).
With quality personnel coming into both these squads for this fixture, it is very much a wait and see approach with now only days remaining until the first round of the AFL season.
After the quirkiness of AFLX and a tentative start for both teams in the JLT Community series, now is the time to lay the cards on the table and start to show everyone just how strong they will be in the upcoming season.
For Geelong, it is the midfield that will draw the headlines and until a certain new signing does join ‘Dangerwood’ in the centre, their true potential will not be unveiled.
Essendon bring all-Australian quality back into their squad for this one with Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker joining the rest of the experienced leadership group on which the Bombers will rely heavily in 2018.
It looks an intriguing clash with both teams having realistic finals aspirations and hoping to make an early statement. This match could be the first step towards that impressive start.
Prediction
Silly to really even think about predictions in pre-season games such as these yet from what I have seen so far, Geelong look fit, hungry and appear more advanced in their preparation than Essendon. On that basis, I’ll predict a 24 point victory for the Cats.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from the JLT Community Series game between the Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats at Central Reserve in Colac on Sunday afternoon, starting from 1:05pm (AEDT).
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Essendon have come from twenty seven points down at three-quarter time to beat the Bombers by three points in Colac. In a game that never really hit any great heights, the wind was a key factor and the vital ingredient in the Bombers' fourth quarter surge. The first two quarters were torrid as both teams scrapped and wrestled and there was nothing between them. Geelong kicked away in the third but a few late goals kept Essendon in touch. That set up a terrific last term were the locals saw some nice goals and plenty of ball movement. Geelong have a serious injury concern in the form of Patrick Dangerfield and there were a number of bumps and bruises in both teams that will require attention. Daniel Menzel and Tom Hawkins were good for Geelong up front and James Stewart made a real statement in the forward line for the Bombers. Now, all that remains for both teams is an analysis session to plan their training over the next week in readiness for the first round of the season in two weeks time. Thanks for being on board for the live commentary and bring on round 1.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full Time A mad scramble for the ball, the Bombers win it and that will do for this one. Well played Essendon.
Geelong: 15.7 (97) Essendon: 15.11 (101)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Game saving mark. Great last few minutes, and good win for the Dons.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
29:00 - Three points in it with seconds remaining.
Geelong: 15.7 (97) Essendon: 15.11 (101)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Oooh, that's a bad time for a free against Essendon. That could've just lost them the game. Luckily Hawkins missed.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
27:45 - Downfield free kick to Hawkins that could be the match winner. It is short and the Bombers are trying to clear their area.
Geelong: 15.7 (97) Essendon: 15.10 (100)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
26:20 - The Bombers stream through the middle and Parish wastes the ball again. Not his best day today.
Geelong: 15.7 (97) Essendon: 15.10 (100)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
25:10 - The Bombers wasting chances as Geelong go inside fifty. Free kick Essendon.
Geelong: 15.7 (97) Essendon: 15.10 (100)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Ha, fans on the roof with beers! I'm not even surprised anymore. Classic Sunday arvo footy!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Behind 23:39 - The Bombers are in front and Stringer poised to take another set shot from fifty. Misses.
Geelong: 15.7 (97) Essendon: 15.10 (100)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 22:15 - Essendon inside fifty and Long (now there is a famous Essendon name) kicks truly from forty-five.
Geelong: 15.7 (97) Essendon: 15.9 (99)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Hahahahahaha is one of the commentators actually in a cherry picker?! Also, great goal there. This game has a bit of everything!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Behind 19:50 - Essendon sweep forward and Greene marks inside fifty. Poor kick from the set shot.
Geelong: 15.7 (97) Essendon: 14.9 (93)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Behind 18:40 - Geelong inside fifty and McGrath defends brilliantly. Ball-up. A point results.
Geelong: 15.7 (97) Essendon: 14.7 (91)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Well, every point is important now. Finally tuned in to watch this ending. Should be a good one!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
17.10 - Free kick Geelong and Stewart chips straight out of bounds.
Geelong: 15.6 (96) Essendon: 14.7 (91)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
15:20 - Halfway through the quarter. Greene marks on fifty and gives to Daniher who bombs for a point.
Geelong: 15.6 (96) Essendon: 14.7 (91)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
13.50 - Essendon inside fifty again but Daniher gives the free away. Geelong chip out of defence.
Geelong: 15.6 (96) Essendon: 14.6 (90)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 12.20 - Hawkins marks inside fifty. Banana kick is true.
Geelong: 15.6 (96) Essendon: 14.6 (90)
Stuart Thomas
Expert
11.50 - Scores are level.
Geelong: 14.6 (90) Essendon: 14.6 (90)