Key players

Jordan Ridley holds the key to the Bombers’ defensive structure. If he stays fit it allows Ben McKay to lock down a dangerous opponent and Zach Reid to develop. Reid has played just nine games in his first four years but played well. Giansiracusa said he hoped the defender had an injury-free run after a difficult start to his career. “He’s just a ripping kid and it has been a challenge ... we will keep managing him the right way,” he said. That’s why it was pleasing for Ridley to work into the match after he played just nine games last season. The intercept defender was solid,but that is all that was needed.

Geelong’s Sam De Koning is at an intriguing stage in his career as the Cats look for him to play in the ruck after they won a premiership with him playing as a deep defender. Out of contract and with the Suns showing interest,he needs to build into a consistent contributor. Sam Draper thrashed him in the hitouts during the third quarter,and it put the Bombers on the front foot.

Jack Bowes has been better than a handy pick-up for the Cats in the salary dump that landed Geelong a top-10 pick. He can play anywhere,but his centre bounce clearances were a feature of his game against the Bombers. If he can add that to his arsenal he will lift Geelong to new heights.

Elijah Tsatas also picked up 31 touches and Giansiracusa praised him for his hard work in pre-season. “There are more challenges coming because playing inside mid at AFL level is a challenge and you come up against some real beasts,” he said. There is no return date yet for experienced midfielder Darcy Parish,but he is beginning to integrate back into training slowly.

Expert’s view

Essendon’s ability to defend the ground was good early in the game but began to fall away once the Cats attacked in a more staggered formation as the game wore on. Max Holmes and Ollie Dempsey’s run troubled them. The Bombers’ ability to defend turnover remains a weakness,but their intent can’t be questioned,and their pressure was excellent in the final quarter.

Geelong have talent on every line and flexible players such as Mark Blicavs,Patrick Dangerfield and Cameron who can play multiple roles. Blicavs is such a valuable asset as he allows the Cats to protect specific areas of the ground and squeeze their opponents into one part of the ground. Their main consideration at this stage of the season was to get through the game unscathed.

Geelong assistant coach Steven King said they would settle the team down now as they prepared for the opening rounds and Bailey Smith was certain to return. He said Rhys Stanley remained in contention to play in the ruck in the opening round. “As a match committee there are five or six really hard[selection] decisions we will have to make over the next week,” King said.

What’s next?

Geelong open the season at the Gabba against last year’s premiers,the Brisbane Lions,who defeated them in a classic preliminary final. Winning at the Gabba is tough,but the Cats have reason for confidence.

Essendon are also involved in the opening round in Queensland with their opponent Gold Coast attempting to finally make finals this season. If the reset under Scott is going to get off the ground in 2025 then a competitive performance is essential.

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