The Cats (8-6, 102.9%) are looking to correct a horror run of form that has seen them lose six of their last seven clashes in 2024 when they take on an in-form Essendon Bombers outfit at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Bombers (9-4-1, 102.7%) have not beaten the Cats since 2018 and have only defeated them on four occasions in their last 25 meetings dating back to 2004, but are primed to break their hoodoo under Saturday night lights.
They’ll be hoping to celebrate former captain Dyson Heppell’s 250th match in style in this year’s annual Country game with Geelong.
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The Cats have lost veteran Tom Hawkins and forward Ollie Henry to injuries but are set to blood exciting youngster Lawson Humphries this weekend.
Meanwhile, ruck Todd Goldstein and forward Jade Gresham are back for the Bombers, with Nate Caddy and Jake Kelly (illness) out.
The game gets underway at 7:30pm from the MCG.
Watch it live on Fox Footy (channel 504), streaming on Kayo and via Hubbl from 7:15pm.
LIVE MATCH UPDATES
Final teams are in for tonight’s clash at the MCG. There are no late changes, with Nik Cox (ESS) and Mark O’Connor (GEE) named the starting subs.
Jade Gresham kicked the opening goal in the ideal start for the milestone man in game 150 as rain poured down in Melbourne.
After conceding the next couple of goals, Essendon responded through Peter Wright and Jake Stringer to regain the lead at the MCG.
Despite nearly squandering it, Stringer kicked another to bring up his second goal of the term and extend the Dons lead.
Essendon took a six-point lead into quarter-time, 4.2 (26) to 3.2 (20).
Merrett kicked the opening goal of the second term to get the Bombers out to a 12-point lead as the game was starting to really look in Brad Scott’s side favour.
Ollie Dempsey marked team inside 50 and gave it off to Jeremy Cameron, who snapped truly around his body like only Cameron can to get Geelong back within seven points.
The Bombers peppered their goals in the second term but couldn’t get reward for effort in the wet conditions.
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Source Agencies
