Essendon have found a small forward with Isaac Kako instantly showing he belongs at the top level kicking four goals alongside emerging spearhead Nate Caddy, who also booted three majors, to lead the straight-shooting Bombers to victory.
The performance from the pair of first-round draft picks gave Bomber fans plenty of reason to be excited about the reset Brad Scott is leading at the club with the team more deliberate in attack and more intense in defence. They kicked 17.2 compared to Geelong’s 12.11, but it was the way they won that impressed.
Bombers recruit Isaac Kako impressed with a four-goal haul against Geelong.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Kako’s front-and-square goal late in the last quarter gave the Bombers a 10-point lead to ensure they earned a confidence-boosting victory, surprising the Cats who fumbled their way through the game. He could have kicked his fifth in the final minute until ruckman Sam Draper booted the ball through from a millimetre out however Kako admitted post-game the ball had been touched off his boot. “It would be good to go up to the Gold Coast [for opening round],” Kako told Fox Footy post-game.
What you need to know
Essendon fans should set themselves to watch talented trio Nate Caddy, Isaac Kako and Archie Perkins develop together inside the forward 50 with Sam Durham and Harrison Jones floating forward off wings. Both Caddy and Kako have talent and flair with Kako a lock to play round one. It might not be as immediately dangerous as a forward line which included Jake Stringer, but the defensive pressure will improve and the attacking half will be more cohesive. Kyle Langford leads in more ways than one and the future is brighter now. Jade Gresham’s second half was a good sign, and he needs to show more than he has since he joined the Bombers if he wants to be part of that forward line.
Bombers captain lays a tackle on Lawson Humphries.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Geelong will be a contender again as they can score quickly, either running in waves to counter-attack or score from centre bounces. Jack Henry and Zach Guthrie look in excellent form as key defenders and Jeremy Cameron played himself into form either forward of the ball or working his way from a wing.
Key players
Jordan Ridley holds the key to the Bombers’ defensive structure. If he stays fit it allows Ben McKay to lock down a dangerous opponent and Zach Reid to develop. Reid has played just nine games in his first four years but played well. That’s why it was pleasing for Ridley to work into the match after he played just nine games last season. The intercept defender was solid, but that is all that was needed.
Geelong’s Sam De Koning is at an intriguing stage in his career as the Cats look for him to play in the ruck after they won a premiership with him playing as a deep defender. Out of contract and with the Suns showing interest, he needs to build into a consistent contributor. Sam Draper thrashed him in the hitouts during the third quarter, and it put the Bombers on the front foot.
Sam Draper ball over Tom Stewart.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Jack Bowes has been better than a handy pick-up for the Cats in the salary dump that landed Geelong a top-10 pick. He can play anywhere, but his centre bounce clearances were a feature of his game against the Bombers. If he can add that to his arsenal he will lift Geelong to new heights. Elijah Tsatas also picked up 31 touches.
Expert’s view
Essendon’s ability to defend the ground was good early in the game but began to fall away once the Cats attacked in a more staggered formation as the game wore on with Max Holmes and Ollie Dempsey’s run troubling them. The Bombers’ ability to defend turnover remains a weakness, but their intent can’t be questioned, and their pressure was excellent in the final quarter.
Geelong have talent on every line and flexible players such as Mark Blicavs, Patrick Dangerfield and Cameron who can play multiple roles. Blicavs is such a valuable asset as he allows the Cats to protect specific areas of the ground and squeeze their opponents into one part of the ground. Their main consideration at this stage of the season was to get through the game unscathed.
Oliver Dempsey evades Kyle Langford.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
What’s next?
Geelong opens the season at the Gabba against last year’s premiers, the Brisbane Lions, who defeated them in a classic preliminary final. Winning at the Gabba is tough, but the Cats have reason for confidence. Bailey Smith is a chance to return for the opening round and his energy will be important early.
Essendon are also involved in the opening round in Queensland with their opponent Gold Coast attempting to finally make finals this season. If the reset under Brad Scott is going to get off the ground in 2025 then a competitive performance is essential.
