Geelong Shreds Essendon in Dominant Country Game Display
What an afternoon it was at the MCG, where Geelong absolutely dismantled a young Essendon side in front of more than 61,000 fans. If you're a Cats supporter, you couldn’t have asked for a more complete performance. From the opening bounce to the final siren, Geelong looked cleaner, stronger, and simply a class above in every department, eventually walking away with a staggering 95-point win: 23.13 (151) to 8.8 (56).
Jeremy Cameron was simply electric. The star forward was everywhere, kicking a sensational six goals and making life miserable for the Bombers' backline. Every time he got near the ball, you could just feel something was going to happen. He played with freedom, precision, and a kind of ruthless intent that reminded everyone why he's one of the game’s most dangerous weapons.
Equally impressive was Bailey Smith, who returned from injury and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat. Racking up a monster 41 disposals and close to 800 metres gained, he completely owned the midfield, combining brilliantly with Max Holmes who also had a day out with 36 disposals. Those two controlled the tempo and direction of the game with such ease it almost felt unfair at times.
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Essendon, to their credit, had moments—particularly early in the first and third quarters. But their high-risk style, while exciting, led to turnovers that Geelong punished mercilessly. When the Bombers slipped, the Cats didn’t just take advantage—they devoured them. By the final quarter, the Dons had simply run out of answers, failing to score a single goal as Geelong piled on seven more to end the game in brutal fashion.
One of the more telling signs of Geelong's dominance was the spread of goalkickers. Eleven players hit the scoreboard, with Shannon Neale adding four, Shaun Mannagh kicking three, and Dangerfield and Dempsey chipping in two each. It wasn’t just a one-man show; it was a full-team performance that showcased Geelong’s depth and cohesion.
Of course, the one sour note for the Cats was an injury to key defender Sam De Koning, who appeared to hurt his shoulder in the second quarter. He returned briefly but was subbed out later, and the club will be hoping it’s nothing too serious.
On the milestone front, this match also marked the 1000th combined AFL game for the Scott twins—Chris and Brad—a remarkable achievement. Though it was meant to be a shared celebration, only one of the brothers will look back on the day fondly. Chris Scott’s Cats were sharp, structured, and ruthless. Brad Scott’s Bombers, meanwhile, were exposed—raw and still finding their way.
In the end, this match was a stark reminder of where these two clubs currently sit. Geelong is a genuine contender, methodical and relentless. Essendon, while exciting at times, remains a work in progress. There’s promise, but also a clear gap—one that was made painfully obvious on Saturday.
The Country Game was meant to showcase tough, spirited footy, and Geelong did just that—delivering a performance that will be hard to top for the rest of the season.
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