Perfectly placed to attack the back half of the season, Geelong will look to solidify their position in the top four when they take on Essendon at the MCG on Saturday.
The Cats are carrying plenty of momentum after recording four consecutive wins, claiming another scalp when they defeated Gold Coast last week to enter the top four for the first time since Round 1.
It has been a favourable match-up for Geelong in recent years, but the Bombers have been solid this year winning six of their 12 games to sit on the cusp of the top eight.
There are plenty of storylines this weekend with Bailey Smith set to return, Geelong's important clash and the VFL Cats in action, check out everything you need to know ahead of a big weekend.
KEY DETAILS
2025 AFL Season - Round 14
Essendon v Geelong Cats
MCG, Melbourne
Saturday 14th June, 4.15pm (AEST)
TEAM SELECTION
KEY PLAYER TO WATCH
Shaun Mannagh
Quite possibly putting together one of the most underrated campaigns of any player in the competition, Shaun Manangh has been a crucial part of Geelong's strong start to the season in 2025.
Across 10 games this year, Mannagh is averaging 19 disposals and five tackles per game while also having his usual impact inside 50, booting 12 goals and dishing off seven goal assists.
But perhaps the most important part of his game has been the ability to push up and have an influence around stoppages, often playing as an extra on-baller and averaging close to five clearances per game.
In three games at the MCG this season, Mannagh averages over 20 disposals per game and has booted five goals, set to play another significant role on Saturday afternoon against the Bombers.
RECENT HISTORY - Geelong v Essendon
Geelong will be looking to extend their strong record against Essendon this weekend, coming into the Round 14 clash with seven consecutive wins over the Bombers dating back to the 2019 season.
Over the past two decades it has been a fairly one-sided matchup, with the Cats winning 22 of the last 26 clashes against Essendon stretching back to 2004.
Geelong's scoring prowess has been impressive in recent wins, averaging 112.7 points per game in the most recent seven victories over Essendon with an average winning margin of 51 points.
| SEASON | HOME | AWAY | GROUND |
| 2024 - Round 16 | Geelong 16.9 (105) | Essendon 9.6 (60) | MCG |
| 2023 - Round 18 | Geelong 18.14 (122) | Essendon 7.3 (45) | GMHBA Stadium |
| 2023 - Round 7 | Essendon 16.8 (104) | Geelong 20.12 (132) | MCG |
| 2022 - Round 1 | Geelong 20.18 (138) | Essendon 11.6 (72) | MCG |
| 2021 - Round 16 | Geelong 15.8 (98) | Essendon 8.9 (57) | GMHBA Stadium |
| 2020 - Round 16 | Geelong 17.6 (108) | Essendon 5.12 (42) | Gabba |
| 2019 - Round 7 | Geelong 13.8 (86) | Essendon 7.12 (54) | MCG |
VENUE HISTORY - MCG
Geelong have won two of their three games at the MCG so far this season, with two more match-ups remaining at the venue in the 2025 home and away season.
The Cats have won four of their last six matches at the venue, while also beating Essendon in their last four consecutive clashes at the 'G.
| SEASON | HOME | AWAY |
| 2025 - Round 8 | Collingwood 12.15 (87) | Geelong 13.12 (90) |
| 2025 - Round 7 | Carlton 14.10 (94) | Geelong 12.4 (76) |
| 2025 - Round 6 | Geelong 12.14 (86) | Hawthorn 11.13 (79) |
| 2024 - PF | Geelong 12.13 (85) | Brisbane 14.11 (95) |
| 2024 - Round 18 | Collingwood 10.11 (71) | Geelong 13.13 (91) |
| 2024 - Round 16 | Geelong 16.9 (105) | Essendon 9.6 (60) |
VFL CATS
Werribee Tigers v Geelong Cats
Saturday 14th June
Bounce: 11.35am
Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee
LIVE BLOG
Tune into the Geelong website on Saturday to catch all the action through the Cats live blog.
Covering the pre-game build up and match updates, you won't miss a minute of Geelong's clash with Essendon.
The blog will be available on the front of the website and app prior to the opening bounce on Saturday.
TICKETS
Tickets to Saturday's clash with the Bombers are available for supporters making the trip to the MCG, follow the link here to secure your seat through Ticketek.
Announced last week, tickets are also on sale for Rounds 17 to 23 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Make sure you do not miss out as Geelong look to secure their place in September.
WHERE TO WATCH
Geelong's Round 14 clash will be part of Super Saturday on Fox Footy, broadcast live through Fox and streamed via Kayo from 4.00pm AEST ahead of the opening bounce at 4.15pm.
Secure a 2025 Digital Plus Membership to watch all the action live with a Kayo Premium subscription.
K rock will be covering all the action from 3.00pm AEST, tune in via 95.5FM, krockfootball.live and the AFL app.
Cats Membership: 2025 Digital Plus
Broadcast Details: 2025 AFL Broadcast Guide
