Friday’s only AFL Round 15 match is between Geelong Cats and Essendon Bombers with the game to be played at Etihad Stadium. The opening bounce is set to commence at 7:50 PM local time with home team Geelong Cats currently holding favouritism. View our AFL live scores, odds and results for the game between Geelong Cats and Essendon Bombers.
Round: Round 15 , June 27, 2014 , 7:50 PM
Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Weather: 17° Shower or two.
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Preview:
The first game of Round 15 is between the Cats and the Bombers, 7.50PM Friday night at Etihad Stadium. Geelong will go into this one as favourites, and really need a win here after dropping out of the top four. Currently in 5th position, Chris Scott’s men can’t afford any more losses if they want to head into the finals with a double-chance. The Bombers wont make it easy for them, however, with Essendon just four points outside the top eight and just as hungry for a win. While Essendon continue to suffer from their ongoing dramas, their win last week against Adelaide was positive and should give them some confidence heading into this game.
Teams:
GEELONG
B Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan, Andrew Mackie
HB Cameron Guthrie, Harry Taylor, Jared Rivers
C Steve Johnson, Joel Selwood, Allen Christensen
HF Jimmy Bartel, Shane Kersten, Jordan Murdoch
F Steven Motlop, Tom Hawkins, Travis Varcoe
FOLL Dawson Simpson, George Horlin-Smith, James Kelly
I/C Jed Bews, Mark Blicavs, Josh Caddy, Mitch Duncan
EMG Brad Hartman, Billie Smedts, Jesse Stringer
IN Harry Taylor, Dawson Simpson, George Horlin-Smith, Jed Bews
OUT Hamish McIntosh (Ankle), Billie Smedts (Omitted), Mathew Stokes (Ankle), Josh Walker (Omitted)
ESSENDON
B Courtenay Dempsey, Michael Hurley, Dustin Fletcher
HB Michael Hibberd, Cale Hooker, David Myers
C Dyson Heppell, Brendon Goddard, David Zaharakis
HF Paul Chapman, Joe Daniher, Ben Howlett
F Travis Colyer, Patrick Ambrose, Jake Carlisle
FOLL Patrick Ryder, Heath Hocking, Brent Stanton
I/C Jake Melksham, Kyle Hardingham, Zach Merrett, Jackson Merrett
EMG Tom Bellchambers, Elliott Kavanagh, Cory Dell’Olio
IN Paul Chapman, Jake Carlisle, Kyle Hardingham, Jackson Merrett
OUT Elliott Kavanagh (Omitted), Tom Bellchambers (Omitted), Mark Baguley (Back), Jason Winderlich (Suspension)
News:
Essendon dropped Tom Bellchambers, while Geelong regained Harry Taylor and lost Hamish McIntosh as they made four changes apiece for their must-win AFL blockbuster.
The Bombers also regained tall utility Jake Carlisle from a knee injury and he is likely to help Paddy Ryder in the ruck on Friday night at Etihad Stadium, given Bellchambers’ absence.
Bellchambers has played the last five games after returning from off-season ankle surgery, but has struggled for form.
Paul Chapman has targeted this first match against his old club – sure to be one of the highlights of the night – and Jackson Merrett is the fourth Bombers inclusion.
The `Dons lost Jason Winderlich (suspension) and Mark Baguley (back), with Elliott Kavanagh also dropped.
Bombers defender Michael Hibberd passed a fitness test after hurting his leg against Adelaide.
The Cats were already without in-form midfielder Mathew Stokes and McIntosh also has not recovered from an ankle injury.
Taylor, one of the league’s premier defenders, is an important inclusion.
Dawson Simpson will take McIntosh’s place and George Horlin-Smith and Jed Bews are the other recalls.
Geelong dropped Billie Smedts and Josh Walker.
Greater Western Sydney’s tough assignment at the SCG on Saturday became even harder when the Swans regained key forward Kurt Tippett and midfielder Ben McGlynn.
They lost Rhyce Shaw (ankle) and dropped Tom Derickx, while the Giants brought back Jeremy Cameron for Tom Boyd.
Veteran ruckman Dean Cox is back for West Coast ahead of Saturday’s western derby against Fremantle.
The Eagles also brought in Patrick McGinnity, with Scott Lycett and Jason Cripps dropped.
The in-form Dockers recalled Matt Taberner for Alex Silvagni (ribs)
Richmond and St Kilda regained big names for Saturday’s match at Etihad Stadium.
Chris Newman and Ty Vickery are back for the Tigers, who dropped Shaun Hampson and lost Aaron Edwards (groin).
The Saints will regain Leigh Montagna, along with Rhys Stanley and Luke Dunstan, and left out Farren Ray, Tom Lee and Brodie Murdoch.
Hawthorn continue to regain key players, with defender Ben Stratton returning for Saturday’s Launceston game against Gold Coast.
He came in for Ben Ross as the Suns lost Brandon Matera to a groin injury and brought in Jesse Lonergan.
Brisbane promoted Daniel McStay for his senior debut in Saturday night’s home game against North Melbourne.
They also regained James Aish, Ashley McGrath and Ryan Lester.
Darcy Gardiner was rested and the Lions dropped Nick Robertson, Tom Cutler and Zac O’Brien.
Robin Nahas (shoulder) is out for North Melbourne and Max Warren is the inclusion.
The Western Bulldogs have lost captain Ryan Griffen (back) and Jordan Roughead (shoulder) for Sunday’s game against Melbourne.
