2020 Marsh Community Series – Round 2: Geelong v Essendon

2020 Marsh Community Series Round 2

Geelong v Essendon

Central Reserve

Colac

9/3/20

Essendon scored a good win against Geelong in Colac this afternoon though the Cats nearly pinched the win from them in the dying moments of the game. It would have been a travesty of justice had that occurred as the Bombers from midway through the first quarter had the game well in their control.

 

A dominant but wayward third quarter, when they kicked 4 goals 5 behinds to Geelong’s 2 goals 1 behind, should have seen them even further in front except for some easy missed shots on goal, it was enough to  give the Cats a sniff especially with the breeze picking up for the last quarter. 

 

Geelong had opened the game with some slick, clinical play, quick precise handball, and mainly played a short, maintain possession game. Patrick Dangerfield was very prominent, and big forward Ratugolea looked dangerous. I thought Essendon were in for a tough game.

 

It took the Bombers half the quarter to settle and get into the game. Hurley was marshalling his troops well down back, and Andrew Phillips was working hard in the ruck giving the ball to his mids who all came into the the game.

 

Scoring was difficult with the respective  backlines having the better of the forwards.

 

It was a see sawing game until the Bombers with McGrath, Parish, Smith and Shiel driving the ball forward out of the centre started to take control of the game. Devon Smith was back to the form that won him Essendon’s B & F in 2018 and is a real plus for the coming season. 

 

I was most impressed by the game Andrew Phillips played, winning many knockouts, taking some strong marks, and he proved to be a very mobile big man. Tom Bellchambers may find it difficult to claim his number 1 ruck position back!

 

Andrew McGrath seemingly has taken his game to the next level and was easily best player on the ground IMHO. With many possessions, he displayed the poise and composure of the up and coming champion that he is. Darcy Parish sent a message to the selectors that he’s in this team for good and was lively kicking 3 goals.

 

After their good start controlling much of the play I thought Geelong dropped off when the Bombers started to run. It was noticeable to me they were top heavy, and looked slow at times. I don’t think they can play three talls up forward. Miers was their only multiple goal scorer. 

 

When you think about it, Geelong have quite an old team, with many players over 30. 

 

The real footy starts in a couple of weeks and with two good wins in the pre-season for the Bombers it’s provided them with  a confident boost for the start of  the coming season.

 

GEELONG        2.2       3.3       5.4       9.7 (61)
ESSENDON      2.3       3.6       7.11     9.11 (65)

 

GOALS

Geelong: Miers 3, Hawkins, Tuohy, Atkins, Dangerfield, Jenkins, Henry
Essendon: Townsend 3, Parish 3, McKernan, Laverde, Fantasia  

 

BEST
Geelong:
 Dangerfield, Steven, Miers, Tuohy, Narkle

Essendon: Merrett, McGrath, Parish, Zerk-Thatcher, Hurley, Saad

 

INJURIES
Geelong:
 Menegola (corked thigh)

Essendon: Zaharakis (corked thigh)

 

Reports: Nil

 

Umpires: Foot, Harris, Ryan, Nicholls

 

Official crowd: 7598 at Central Reserve, Colac

 

 

Join The Footy Almanac’s AFL tipping comp (Title: ‘Footy Almanac 2020 Tipping’) HERE

 

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

Do you really enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE
One off financial contribution – CLICK HERE
Regular financial contribution (monthly EFT) – CLICK HERE

 

 

About Colin Ritchie

Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.

Comments

  1. Saw Dangerfield have 3 kicks early in the game, none of which hit the target.

    My assessment is that neither of these teams LOOKS like a top 8 side. But its early days.

    Cats might ask Paul Sarah to come out of retirement and take up the ruck.

  2. It just goes to show you can’t use this early form to gauge how your team will go when the real stuff starts.Tipping the final 8, the premiers and Brownlow medalist right now is just downright ridiculous.

    Watching the Crows at the moment,you would find it hard to pick them winning many, if any, games this coming season. However I’m sure that will change sometime soon (I hope).

  3. Dips, you can relax: Hawkins kicked a goal, so that is enough for him to be selected in the All-Australian team.

Leave a Comment

*