Geelong will reap the benefits of a solid hit-out to close out their pre-season, with plenty of positives to takeaway despite going down to Essendon by 21 points at GMHBA Stadium. 

The two sides traded blows for most of the night, the Cats hitting the front midway through the last term before the Bombers reeled off the final four goals to seal the result. 

One major positive to come from the game was the performance of Jack Bowes, who amassed 31 disposals, five clearances, six inside 50's and booted a goal to lead the way through the midfield. 

Gryan Miers was equally as impressive collecting 30 disposals and a goal, while Jeremy Cameron finished with 23 possessions and two goals. 

One big talking point heading into the night was Mitch Knevitt who did his Opening Round chances no harm, collecting 22 disposals and four clearances to back up his strong performance against Hawthorn. 

The Cats started slowly in the opening term, conceding four of the first five goals to find themselves trailing by 15 points at quarter time. 

It did not take long for Geelong to click into gear, slotting six goals in the second quarter to take a three point lead into the main break. 

The two sides then traded goals throughout the second half, the Cats still holding the lead halfway through the final term before the Bombers kicked away late. 

Geelong's attention will now turn to the Opening Round, as they prepare for a blockbuster clash against Brisbane at the Gabba next Thursday night. 

2025 AAMI Community Series

GEELONG       2.3     8.4     10.7     12.11    (83)
ESSENDON     5.0     8.1     11.2     17.2     (104)

GOALS
Geelong: Stengle, Neale, Cameron 2, Miers, O.Henry, Dangerfield, Clohesy, Bowes, Blicavs 1
Essendon: Kako 4, Caddy 3, Perkins, Martin, Gresham, Durham 2, Draper, Bryan 1

DISPOSALS
Geelong: Bowes 31, Miers 30, Cameron 23, Knevitt, Holmes 22
Essendon: Tsatas 31, Hobbs 29, McGrath 28, Jones 27, Shiel 26

Crowd: 11,626 at GMHBA Stadium