<p>Country footy is once again on the big stage at the MCG, with Essendon and Geelong facing off in the annual ‘Country Game.’&nbsp;</p> <p>One of the many brainchildren of Kevin Sheedy, this festival and celebration of rural Australia is in its tenth year at the MCG, serving as football’s way of expressing gratitude to the small towns that continue to punch above their weight for both football and the nation.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Bombers have gained plenty of admirers over the past fortnight. They were gallant against the Lions and likely should have beaten Carlton at the MCG last Sunday night.&nbsp;</p> <p>With key troops down and a young squad, it proved a bridge too far. At 6-6, they remain in the hunt for a top-eight berth this season but are still searching for a win against a genuine contender to validate their credentials.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Cats did what they needed to do to triumph over the Suns at home. Even with several stars absent, the Cats now find themselves at 9-4 and are preparing to entrench themselves in the top four.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the selection front, the lengthy list of absentees for the Dons has grown, with Sam Durham receiving a two-week suspension in the game against Carlton for his hit on Adam Cerra. Mason Redman was a late withdrawal before the game and will miss the next four weeks due to a calf injury.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Bombers could opt for some experience and call on Dylan Shiel, who was the AFL emergency and did not play VFL last week. Elijah Tsatas performed well with 28 disposals, six tackles, and five clearances in his bid to reclaim his spot in the side. Could they also turn to one of the three mid-season draftees in May, McMahon, Blankiston, and Smartt to provide some extra height?&nbsp;</p> <p>The Cats played it safe with Bailey Smith last week by withdrawing him before the game and will be tested again this week, as will key forward Shannon Neale, who was subbed out with an ankle complaint. Jack Bowes has a chance to return for the Cats but will need to pass a fitness test upon his return from a hamstring injury.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Dons vs Cats prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs Geelong Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Essendon Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Andy McGrath, Jayden Laverde, Jaxon Prior</p> <p>HB: Archie Roberts, Luamon Lual, Will Setterfield</p> <p>C: Angus Clarke, Zach Merrett, Matt Guelfi</p> <p>HF: Nic Martin, Nate Caddy, Jade Gresham</p> <p>F: Isaac Kako, Peter Wright, Ben Hobbs</p> <p>Foll: Todd Goldstein, Darcy Parish, Jye Caldwell</p> <p>Int:&nbsp; Dylan Sheil, Elijah Tsatas, Archie Perkins, Zak Johnson, Archer Day-Wicks</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Geelong Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Connor O’Sullivan, Sam De Koning, Tom Stewart&nbsp;</p> <p>HB: Lawson Humphries, Jack Henry, Zach Guthrie</p> <p>C: Mark Blicavs, Max Holmes, Ollie Dempsey</p> <p>HF: Gryan Miers, Patrick Dangerfield, Shaun Mannagh</p> <p>F: Tyson Stengle, Jeremy Cameron, Brad Close</p> <p>Foll: Rhys Stanley, Tom Atkins, Mark O’Connor</p> <p>Int: Oisin Mullin, Ted Clohesy, Jack Bowes, Jack Martin, Shannon Neale, Mitch Duncan</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs Geelong Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Cats have owned the Bombers. They have won their past four matches against them, and by an average of 51 points in the past seven head-to-head matches.</p> <p>The poor run stretches back close to 20 years for the Dons, having only defeated the Cats three times since 2005.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>They (Essendon) will be thanking their lucky stars that Tom Hawkins is up in the commentary box and not out on the field after he has feasted on the Bombers in recent times. But if the Bombers want any chance of getting the win over the Cats, maybe get Zach Merrett back around the ball and away from the halfback line? Brad??</p> <p>It might be a pre-emptive move to discourage the tag, but the Dons’ profile is ranked 18th over the past five weeks, and are last for inside 50s, third last on points from turnover, and last for chain to scoring.&nbsp;</p> <p>For all the fight and grit they’ve shown, we think they won’t be much of a match for a Cats outfit that continues to grow in confidence.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/essendon-v-geelong-cats-9270922">Cats</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Ollie Dempsey is becoming one of the most damaging wingers in the game. He’s on track for All-Australian selection and is getting some attention from coaches, now occasionally being assigned a tag.</p> <p>With 20 goals already this season, he’s developed a knack of getting forward and kicking an early goal and on some occasions already this year, the first one of the game. We think that’s going to happen again.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/essendon-v-geelong-cats-9270922">Ollie Dempsey</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Since he came back into the Essendon team, Jye Caldwell has continued to prove an integral piece and remind the Bombers just what they were missing in his absence. Since his return, he’s averaged 25 disposals and 6.6 tackles per game as the 24-year-old continues to grow into an elite midfielder.&nbsp;</p> <p>We’re backing him to keep the form up and go big again&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/essendon-v-geelong-cats-9270922">Jye Caldwell 30+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon Bombers vs Geelong Cats Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, June 14, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>4:35 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>