GMHBA Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 22 AFL game between Geelong Cats and Essendon. The game kicks off at 7:40 pm with Geelong Cats heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Geelong Cats vs. Essendon game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday August 8, 2025 at 7:40 pm

Where: GMHBA Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Geelong Cats vs Essendon Odds

Geelong Cats vs Essendon Preview

Geelong will be eyeing a fourth straight thumping victory when it hosts a struggling Essendon side at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night. The Cats have been in ruthless form, piling on three consecutive wins by a combined margin exceeding 200 points, with Jeremy Cameron’s Coleman charge a highlight—his six-goal haul against Port Adelaide lifting him ever closer to the 100-goal mark.

While the soft run home may leave Geelong under-tested heading into September, it’s proving perfect for building confidence and scoreboard dominance. Essendon, by contrast, is limping toward the finish line. A 14-point loss to Sydney marked the Bombers’ ninth straight defeat, and a bottom-four finish now appears inevitable.

The Bombers haven’t beaten Geelong since 2018 and will need a miracle to change that on Friday. Expect the Cats to keep purring as finals approach.