Third up in the Super Saturday slate for AFL Round 22 is a match between Geelong and Essendon at GMHBA Stadium. This one has all the makings of a thrashing, with the Cats needing to bank four points and a boost to their percentage to continue to move up the ladder.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Cats vs Bombers below, with odds thanks to UniBet!
Geelong vs Essendon Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 22
Cats Eyeing a Top Four Finish
The Cats return to GMHBA Stadium this Saturday afternoon looking to launch a serious assault on the top four. Currently sitting seventh on the ladder with a 12-8 record, Chris Scott's men are just one game out of a double chance position after securing a vital 25-point away victory over Collingwood last weekend, winning 97 to 72 at the MCG. With a highly favourable run home that features fixtures against Essendon, North Melbourne, and Richmond, the Cats have a golden opportunity to storm into September if they can maintain their current form. On the selection front, Geelong has opted for stability, making just one change. Sam De Koning returns to the side, replacing young ruckman Mitch Edwards, who is being managed ahead of the finals push.
Bombers Limping to the Finish Line
It has been a disastrous 2026 campaign for Essendon. Anchored to the bottom of the ladder with just two wins, the Bombers are simply trying to survive the remainder of the season under interim coach Dean Solomon. They enter this clash off the back of a bruising 72-point thrashing at the hands of Adelaide last weekend at Marvel Stadium, going down 145 to 73. Making the difficult trip down the highway to Geelong, they face an enormous challenge. Compounding their struggles, Essendon has been forced into three changes. Nick Bryan misses out due to finger surgery and Angus Clarke is sidelined with concussion, while Harrison Jones has been dropped. They do welcome back experienced midfielder Jye Caldwell and Archie Perkins, along with young ruckman Vigo Visentini for his first senior game of the year.
Cats Hold Total Dominance
The Cats comfortably won their last encounter in Round 22 of last year, easily accounting for the Bombers 109 to 65 at GMHBA Stadium. Tactically, Geelong's ability to apply immense pressure in their forward half will be a nightmare for an Essendon defence that has leaked a massive amount of points this season. While the Bombers have shown brief glimpses of stoppage dominance, dealing with Geelong's offensive firepower down at the Cattery is a completely different challenge.
Match Prediction and Best Bet
This Saturday twilight fixture presents a massive mismatch on paper. Geelong is highly motivated to bank a crucial four points and boost their percentage as they push towards a top four spot, while Essendon looks like a team entirely ready for the off-season. Given the Cats' historical dominance in this fixture and the Bombers' sheer inability to stop opposition scoring, this game could get very ugly. Expect the home side to click into gear offensively and put a massive score on the board. With Geelong highly likely to do the heavy lifting against a poor Essendon defensive unit, backing a high-scoring affair is the smartest angle.
Over 183.5 Points
$1.91 (1 Unit)
Geelong vs Essendon Prop Bet
Ollie Dempsey continues to push his case for an All-Australian blazer and is coming off a huge 29 disposal 2 goal performance against the Magpies. He’s now kicked 2+ goals in four of his last five matches and with the Cats expected to sail past the 100-point mark here, Dempsey will surely get a number of looks at the big sticks.
Oliver Dempsey 2+ Goals
$2.00
Geelong vs Essendon Same Game Multi
Shannon Neale 4+ Goals: It’s a great opportunity for the big man to fill his boots here. He’s the number one option for the Cats inside 50 and there will be an abundance of inside 50s in this one.
Oliver Dempsey 2+ Goals: For the reasons highlighted above in our prop bet.
Hussien Al Achkar Anytime Goal Scorer: The first year Bomber has a knack of hitting the scoreboard. He’s kicked at least one goal in six of his eight career matches.
Geelong vs Essendon Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Saturday 8th August
Time: 4:35pm AEST
Location: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Odds: Geelong $1.01 vs Essendon $19
Line: -64.5
Points: 183.5
Where to Watch Geelong vs Essendon
You can watch the Cats vs Bombers live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our 2026 AFL Tips at UniBet!
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