GMHBA Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 1 AFL game between Geelong Cats and Essendon Bombers. The game kicks off at 2:10 pm with Geelong Cats heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Geelong Cats vs. Essendon Bombers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday March 19, 2022 at 2:10 pm
Where: GMHBA Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Geelong Cats vs Essendon Bombers Odds
Geelong Cats vs Essendon Bombers Preview
The Cats and the Bombers both follow similar scripts heading into Round 1.
Geelong was belted by a healthy margin in last year’s Prelim Final against Melbourne, while the Dons will be hoping to atone for their own blowout loss to the Dogs that has helped extend their finals drought to beyond 6,000 days.
Like always, big things are expected at the Cattery, but it’s the Bombers who have captured headlines throughout the offseason as experts continue to tip them to make the eight, and even win the flag.
The days of the “Baby Bombers” are seemingly over as most of Ben Rutten’s list prepares to enter its prime.
Big ruckman Sam Draper has turned into somewhat of a cult figure and is no doubt the leader of the future, while Jordan Ridley is quickly becoming one of the best interceptors of the ball in the back half.
The Dons would like to get Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti back on the field ASAP, but there’s still enough talent on the field to challenge a top Premiership contender like Geelong.
Andrew McGrath and Zach Merrett make up one of the best midfields in the game, while Jake Stringer is coming off a handy bounce back year that saw him kick 41 goals.
Geelong’s experienced list speaks for itself, but you do have to question the age of Chris Scott’s list with so many young clubs pushing for a top four spot.
Betting against a well-rested and healthy Geelong side to start the season is a risky play, but there’s a good chance the Bombers give this a red-hot shake.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Geelong Cats to win at $1.68 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Jeremy Cameron at $8.50.
Geelong Cats vs Essendon Bombers Teams
CATS
B: J.Kolodjashnij, S.De Koning, J.Henry
HB: Z.Tuohy, T.Stewart, M.Blicavs
C: M.Holmes, C.Guthrie, I.Smith
HF: T.Stengle, E.Ratugolea, B.Parfitt
F: J.Cameron, T.Hawkins, S.Higgins
FOLL: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield, J.Selwood
I/C: Z.Guthrie, L.Dahlhaus, B.Close, T.Atkins
EMG: C.Stephens, F.Evans, Q.Narkle, C.Whyte
BOMBERS
B: J.Stewart, J.Laverde, J.Kelly
HB: N.Hind, J.Rdiley, D.Heppell
C: A.McGrathm Z.Merrett, N.Cox
HF: A.Perkins, K.Baldwin, D.Shiel
F: B.Ham, P.Wright, D.Smith
FOLL: S.Draper, D.Parish, K.Langford
I/C: J.Caldwell, M.Guelfi, N.Martin, M.Redman
EMG: T.Cutler, A.Phillips, B.Hobbs, A.Francis