Game day has arrived with Geelong hosting Essendon in their annual Powercor Country Festival clash at the GABBA from 3.35pm AEST.

It will be the first time since 1993 that a game between the two sides for premiership points has been played outside of Melbourne.

READ - MATCH PREVIEW

Geelong enter the game with winning form and will chasing a sixth consecutive victory after most recently overcoming a 37-point deficit to defeat the Bulldogs in Round 14.

For the Bombers it will be their third game in 11 days, and they must to win to keep their finals aspirations alive.

Despite having only had one win from their past seven matches, Assistant Coach Corey Enright is preparing for Essendon to be at their best.

“One thing we know from this year is that form lines are hard to read with everything that’s gone on,” Enright said speaking to K Rock Football.

“We take them on their best form and what they are capable of on their best day, and they’re very dangerous – we’re well aware of that.

“We have to play for a few things and to nullify a few of their strengths.

TEAM SELECTION

Lachie Fogarty gets another opportunity with Jack Steven to miss through injury. The 21-year-old has been in excellent touch during match simulation and will play his fifth game of the season.

The Bombers have made two changes with Jacob Townsend and Mason Redman replacing Joe Daniher and Andrew McGrath

VIEW TEAMS

HOW THE TEAMS COMPARE

Total Disposals: Geelong (2nd) v Essendon (5th)
Centre Clearances: Geelong (2nd) v Essendon (5th)
Stoppage Clearances: Geelong (2nd) v Essendon (10th)
Highest Scoring: Geelong (1st) v Essendon (12th)
One percenters: Geelong (4th) v Essendon (5th)

ADVANTAGE CATS

When you think of Geelong’s potency in attack you instantly think of the feats of Tom Hawkins who entered the round leading the Coleman Medal race.

However, a major strength for the Cats this season has been their spread of goal kickers. In fact, 27 of the 32 players used this season have kicked a major, which is equal highest in the competition this season for the most individual goal kickers.

ADVANTAGE BOMBERS

Geelong may appear to hold an advantage in most statistical areas but in recent meetings Essendon’s speed has at times challenged the Cats.

They’re a dangerous team when the game gets on their terms with their quick movement. Look for the Cats to counteract that early by playing a methodical game. 

KEY MATCHUPS

Jake Kolodjashnij v Jake Stringer

Stringer has been Essendon’s most dangerous attacking target inside 50 this year with 13 majors from his six games.

Last time the two sides met he kicked an equal high three goals from five attempts.

Jake Kolodjashnij could be the man for the job. He was terrific last week opposed to Mitch Wallis and can match Stringer in the air and when the ball hits the deck.

Mitch Duncan v Zach Merrett

The match will arguably be won in the middle and both Duncan and Merrett will be key men for their respective teams.

Both love getting the ball in space on the outside and driving it inside their attacking 50 to their advantage of their forwards.

Merrett is ranked fourth in the competition for average total and effective disposals, first for uncontested possessions and second for inside 50s. He is also averaging five score involvements per game and enters the match with back-to-back 30+ disposals games.

Duncan may not quite win the same volume of possessions as Merrett, but he is equally as damaging with his field kicking amongst the best in the competition.

He is averaging 20 disposals and a goal assist per game. His combination with great mate and key forward Tom Hawkins has been brilliant to watch this season.

Look for Duncan to kick to Hawkins’ advantage every chance he gets.