SUMMARY
The Cats secured their third straight win with a solid performance against the injury-hit Western Bulldogs last week, while the physically and mentally exhausted Bombers were taught a harsh lesson by Adelaide. Sunday's clash marks the beginning of a relatively easy run home for fourth-placed Geelong, with games against Richmond, the Brisbane Lions and Melbourne to round out the regular season. The Cats find themselves inside the top four, just 0.1 percentage points ahead of the fifth-placed Crows, and will treat this match as an opportunity for a handy percentage booster. Although the young Bombers' enthusiasm can't be faulted under coach John Worsfold's tutelage, they've struggled for consistency this year and will be aiming to salvage some pride by avoiding a blowout against the Cats.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, August 7, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
Zach Merrett has been outstanding this season for the Bombers. Picture: AFL Media
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2016, Geelong 9.18 (72) d Essendon 6.6 (42) at the MCG
R10, 2015, Geelong 19.8 (122) d Essendon 7.11 (53) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2014, Geelong 13.11 (89) d Essendon 11.14 (80) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2013, Geelong 17.11 (113) d Essendon 11.19 (85) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2012, Geelong 20.14 (134) d Essendon 10.7 (67) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Geelong led by only two points at half-time in round four and Essendon even hit the front briefly during the third term. Mitch Duncan and Patrick Dangerfield each had 27 disposals.
2. The Cats are ranked No.1 in both contested marking and marks inside 50, and fifth overall for inside 50s. In contrast, the Bombers are in the bottom three in all three categories.
3. Geelong continues to dominate Essendon, winning the past five matches and 12 of the last 13. The Bombers last won in round 15, 2011.
4. Essendon remains the lowest scoring side in 2016, averaging only 65 points per game. The Cats are ranked sixth with 98 points.
5. The Bombers have a high uncontested possession rate, ranking second overall with an average of 248.9 per game. Geelong is ranked 10th.
6. Joe Daniher climbed 16 places, from No.242 to No.226 overall, in the Schick AFL Player Ratings after his 21-disposal, four-goal game against Adelaide. He's now the eighth-highest ranked Bomber.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Zach Merrett
The 20-year-old midfielder is sure to receive some extra attention after being named the Bombers' best in the 82-point loss to Adelaide with 31 touches and eight inside 50s. Merrett, who is on target to win the club's best and fairest, has been a revelation this season and will test himself against Geelong's premier ball-winners.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 48 points
