Geelong Cats vs Essendon Bombers Prediction - Round 22 2025

Jezza Ton Watch rolls on for another week!

After booting six goals in a routine 88-point win over Port Adelaide, Jeremy Cameron now sits just 25 goals away from the magical 100.

While the Cats won’t want to get too far ahead of themselves, their focus will be on finishing the final three games of the home-and-away season strongly before launching into another finals campaign. Having already locked in their place in September (again…), the narrative around Jezza’s Ton remains a big one—especially given their upcoming fixtures, starting with Essendon this week.

Meanwhile, Essendon is simply counting down the days until its season ends. Last weekend marked their ninth straight loss, this time falling to Sydney at the SCG. Despite the result, they showed some fight in tough, wet conditions, going down by just 14 points in an inaccurate and rain-soaked slog.

Now, they head down the highway to face a Geelong side that—despite coming off a five-day turnaround—is preparing to fine-tune for finals and manage a few key players.

Captain Patrick Dangerfield is one of those expected to be rested this week. But even without him, recent history suggests that it shouldn’t have too much impact on the result—especially against a Bombers outfit struggling for form.

Importantly, the Cats got through their clash with Port unscathed on the injury front. Their VFL side had a bye last weekend, but AFL-listed players Jhye Clark, Jed Bews, and Mitch Knevitt were all named emergencies and loom as likely inclusions if Chris Scott opts to rest anyone.

It’s an embarrassment of riches down at Kardinia Park. How about Jack Martin’s explosive impact? Coming on as the sub in the third quarter and kicking a record four goals in under five minutes of footy… What a luxury.

For the Bombers, there’s a chance we’ll see a 15th debutant this year, with uncapped midfielder Rhys Unwin putting in his best VFL performance to date—collecting 23 disposals, a goal, and four clearances.

First-year players Zak Johnson and Vigo Visentini were also solid at the lower level and will be pushing for a recall. In some rare good injury news for the Dons, forward Kyle Langford is nearing a return from a hamstring injury, though he’s expected to get a run in the VFL before being considered for senior selection.

For the latest team updates, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our full Cats vs Dons preview below.

 

Geelong vs Essendon Predicted Teams

 

Geelong Predicted Team List

B: Tom Stewart, Sam De Koning, Connor O’Sullivan

HB: Lawson Humphries, Jack Henry, Zach Guthrie

C: Mark Blicavs, Max Holmes, Ollie Dempsey

HF: Ollie Henry, Shannon Neale, Shaun Mannagh

F: Tyson Stengle, Jeremy Cameron, Jack Martin 

Foll: Rhys Stanley, Tom Atkins, Bailey Smith

Int: Oisin Mullin, Mark O’Connor, Brad Close, Gryan Miers, Jack Bowes

 

Essendon Predicted Team List

B: Jayden Nguyen, Jayden Laverde, Andy McGrath

HB: Archie Roberts, Lachie Blakiston, Mason Redman

C: Xavier Duursma, Zach Merrett, Jaxon Prior

HF: Archer May, Peter Wright, Jade Gresham

F: Isaac Kako, Liam McMahon, Angus Clarke

Foll: Todd Goldstein, Dylan Sheil, Sam Durham

Int: Zak Johnson, Archie Perkins, Luamon Lual, Matt Guelfi, Ben Hobbs

 

Geelong vs Essendon Prediction & Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Cats have dominated this matchup against the Dons, winning eight of the past 10 matches. They’ve won the past 8 matches, and done so emphatically by an average margin of 56.5 points.

Everything about the Cats’ profile and the way they are playing (despite the soft draw) points to that continuing here.

They are now the best overall profile, having usurped Adelaide this week, and are second on offence and fourth on defence.

So as much as they will be tempted to rest a few more than usual this week, expect them to go for continuity in the run into the finals and record another big win here. 

Betting tip: Cats

 

First Goal Prediction

As Gryan Miers develops into one of the more damaging ball winners and ball users in the competition, racking up plenty of the footy in recent weeks, it’s easy to forget how dangerous he is around goals.

While we fully expect all the Cats players to look for Jezza whenever they can, we think Miers is a good option here for the first goal.. Either drifting forward or letting fly with a dart from the 50m arc.

Betting tip: Gryan Miers

 

Most Disposals Prediction

Bailey or Max? Max or Bailey?

That’s the question most punters would be asking themselves because whenever Geelong plays, it’s either one of them at the top of the pops, disposals-wise. 

We’re going with Bailey Smith here. Last time out against the Dons, he recorded a career-best 41 touches, which he has since bettered with 42 touches against the Roos two weeks ago. Can he go another career-best this week?   

Betting tip: Bailey Smith 35+ disposals 

 

Geelong Cats vs Essendon Bombers Match Details

 

Date: Friday, August 8, 2025

First Bounce: 7:40pm, AEST

Location: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

How to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports