GEELONG returned to the winner’s list with a 41-point victory against Essendon in the Powercor Country Festival clash at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night.

Here are some the statistics that matter, presented by Deakin’s Centre for Sport Research.

Contested Ball Crucial In Comeback

Essendon started the game on fire with the opening four goals of the game to hold a 25-point advantage before Jeremy Cameron kicked a late goal to cut the Bombers lead to 19-points at quarter time.

The Bombers early dominance was setup in the middle with their onballers dominating the contested ball.

The Cats were able to wrestle back the ledger (73-72) come full time and that helped swing the momentum in their favour and overcome an early deficit to record a comfortable victory.

Patrick Dangerfield (18), Tom Atkins (13) and Joel Selwood (12) were superb in this area for the Cats.

The Closer Sets Work Rate Standard

Brad Close’s work rate stood out in the win against the Bombers.

He ran further (16.1km) and had more total sprints (28) than any other player on the field.

Close (3km) also finished second to teammate Isaac Smith (3.1km) for total distance at high speed and third behind Max Holmes and Essendon’s Nik Cox for average speed (9.5km/hr).

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Brad Close of the Cats is chased by Tom Cutler of the Bombers during the 2021 AFL Round 16 match between the Geelong Cats and the Essendon Bombers at GMHBA Stadium on July 2, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Cats Wanted It More

In a game played in wet conditions, one percenters can prove the difference and the Cats were dominant in this area leading Essendon 70 to 42.

Jack Henry led the charge with a game-high 12 which was double that of Essendon’s best Jordan Ridley.

Tom Stewart and Jake Kolodjashnij were also strong contributors with eight and seven respectively.

Round 16 Showreel

  • 02:18

    Hosking Rings The Bell

    Ron Hosking played for the Cats in the 1960s, hear what he's up to now.

    AFL
  • 00:59

    Player Spotlight: Henry

    Jack Henry has cemented himself as a key defender for the Cats with another stand out game against the Bombers.

    AFL
  • 04:17

    Cats Goal (R16)

    Enjoy all 15 goals kicked by the Cats on their way to beating the Bombers. Presented by The Gordon

    AFL
  • 05:04

    Roaming Hawkins

    Tom Hawkins takes you inside the rooms after the round 16 win over the Bombers. Presented by Ford.

    AFL
  • 01:08

    Tom Hawkins Post Match

    Tom Hawkins speaks after the round 16 win against the Bombers. Presented by Ford

    AFL
  • 13:50

    Chris Scott Post-Match

    Watch Geelong's press conference after round 16's match against Essendon

    AFL
  • 01:10

    Inside the Team Song with Blicavs

    Mark Blicavs takes the GoPro into the team song after the win against the Bombers.

    AFL
  • 08:00

    Highlights: Round 16

    The Cats and Bombers clash in round 16

    AFL
  • 02:18

    Danger Is Back To His Best

    Paddy Dangerfield appears to have returned to his scary best with a starring performance that included 38 touches and a goal

    AFL
  • 00:41

    Issie Soccer Special

    Isaac Smith sharks an absolute ripping goal off the deck, as the Cats look home

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Ridiculous Rohan On The Run

    Gary Rohan shows off his exciting craft with an amazing goal on the run.

    AFL
  • 01:17

    Cameron Subbed Out

    Geelong have suffered a huge injury concern with Jeremy Cameron out of the game

    AFL
  • 15:45

    Scott Press Conference

    Coach Chris Scott speaks to media ahead of Geelong's Round 16 blockbuster against Essendon. Presented by Morris Finance.

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Help Make A Difference

    Morris Finance will be donating $500 to Foodbank, the equivalent of 1,000 meals for every goal kicked by the Geelong Cats at the Country Festival match against Essendon.You too can make a difference by donating to Foodbank at foodbank.org.au

    AFL
  • 01:30

    True Country: Wye River Caravan Park

    After a year defined by the words 'social isolation', watch as we show our gratitude towards operators such as Wye River Caravan Park who provided Victorians with an opportunity to escape and connect with family and friends. Presented by Powercor.

    AFL
  • 01:30

    True Country: Holt Family

    Watch how Tom and Mary Ann Holt, landowners in the Mount Gellibrand Wind Farm, make their land available to generate clean energy for all of us to use. Presented by Powecor

    AFL
  • 01:30

    True Country: Sharkey Farm

    Watch as we speak to Kate Sharkey to showcase how her family is proof that there's great innovation happening in regional Victoria. Presented by Powercor

    AFL
  • 01:30

    True Country: Bellarine Estate

    Watch Peter Kenny from Bellarine Estate who explains how he was able to use his business to shift gears to help a social battle during lockdown for Victorians. Presented by Powercor.

    AFL

50 Gamers Have Milestones To Remember

Tom Atkins had a career-high night in his 50th AFL game recording a career-best 29 disposals.

In the earlier game, former AFL-listed Cat Darcy Lang was best-on-ground in his 50th VFL game.

In wet and wild conditions Lang shone with five goals, 25 disposals and nine tackles.

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VFL Match Report