Key posts
Cats get first goal
Brad Close has got the first goal of the game, from the boundary, 45m out.
Isaac Smith had an opportunity a minute earlier with a set shot 30m out, but it went through for a behind.
So far, the ball has been living in the Cats’ forward half, with 6 inside 50s to 1.
We’re off!
And we’re off at the MCG.
Who will win today’s Country Festival clash, Essendon or Geelong?
Let us know in the comments.
Teams have run out
The teams have run out under a joint banner which reads “Essendon and Geelong united in supporting regional communities”.
Essendon and Geelong run under united banner for Country Road.Credit: Getty
Ahead of the game, there were plenty of activities around the ground, including a petting zoo and face paint.
Essendon and Geelogn Country Round game at the MCGCredit: Getty
Just ten minutes until first bounce.
Kick off 1:10pm.
A big game ahead
Geelong had a rocky start to their season, losing their first three games to Collingwood, Carlton and Gold Coast respectively, before kicking into gear in round four.
They now appear back to their premiership-looking selves, especially after downing Sydney by 93-points last weekend.
Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron.Credit: Getty Images
Essendon, on the other hand, are doing arguably better than expected. Many had them pegged for a last four finish but enter today’s match as 7th, 4-2 and with a significant win over the premiership favourites Melbourne in their back pocket.
If the Bombers lose today, however, they are at risk of falling out of the eight, with the Cats taking their spot in the mix.
The man who might derail the Pies: How Fogarty got out of his funk
By Andrew Wu
Some pre-game reading ahead of the Crows Pies clash later today:
Everything Darcy Fogarty does on the football field seems to exude confidence. The swagger. The way he crashes packs. The audacity to defy modern trends by kicking a drop punt from the boundary – with the game on the line, no less.
Adelaide forward Darcy Fogarty in action during round two.Credit: James Elsby. AFL Photos
It was not always thus. Only 12 months ago, Fogarty was running around in the SANFL, racked with self-doubt. Three years of being in and out of the side had taken its toll. A negative mindset became evident in his play. It affected his mood and even made him question what his teammates and coaches really thought about him.
What he did next might be the best investment he has ever made.
To get a better appreciation of Fogarty’s situation, we need to wind the clock back to 2018. Such was the wrap around the No.12 pick, he debuted in round one in a side that had made the grand final the year before. His first goal, from his first kick, came from a booming kick inside the centre square.
Subs in with Cats late change
The Cats have made a late change, with Mitch Knevitt coming into the selected side for Zach Tuohy.
Substitutes:
Will Snelling for Essendon
Tanner Bruhn for Geelong
Good afternoon
G’afternoon and welcome to the live footy blog!
We’ll have rolling coverage of all the action of the day, starting with Essendon and Geelong at the MCG for Country Round.
Then Richmond will take on Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium, before Adelaide host Collingwood over at Adelaide Oval to headline the evening.
Leave a comment at any time to let us know your thoughts on the games.
Ok, here we go!
