This week, we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most thrilling moments in the Country Game series, as Geelong and Essendon prepare to clash for the eighth time in this celebrated fixture.
The Country Game was first introduced in 2015, thanks to the efforts of Kevin Sheedy, and the inaugural match took place in round four of the 2016 AFL season. This special game was designed to honor the significant contributions of regional and rural communities, emphasizing their strong ties with these two iconic clubs.
In 2024, Geelong will continue this tradition by recognizing the essential role of regional football clubs in Australian Football, and they will wear a commemorative guernsey to mark the occasion. Over the years, the on-field competition has been fierce, with Geelong winning the last four Country Games and five out of the seven since the fixture’s inception.
Memorable Matches in Country Game History
2016: The Inaugural Victory for Geelong
In the very first Country Game in 2016, Geelong emerged victorious over Essendon with a 30-point lead at the MCG, witnessed by a crowd of 42,723. Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, and Joel Selwood were instrumental in this win, helping the Cats keep Essendon scoreless in the final quarter.
2017: Essendon’s First Triumph
The second Country Game saw Essendon securing their first victory, holding off a late comeback by Geelong to win by 17 points. Despite trailing by 40 points towards the end of the third quarter, Geelong rallied to reduce the gap to 10 points but couldn’t clinch the win. Tom Hawkins shone with four goals, and Patrick Dangerfield added 30 disposals and two goals.
2018: Essendon Dominates Again
In 2018, Essendon claimed back-to-back wins, defeating Geelong by 34 points in a less dramatic match. Despite the loss, Joel Selwood (30 disposals, 1 goal) and Patrick Dangerfield (27 disposals, 2 goals) were standout performers for the Cats.
2019: Geelong Strikes Back
Geelong bounced back in 2019, breaking their losing streak with a 32-point win over Essendon. The Cats controlled the game with nine players collecting over 20 disposals, led by Mitch Duncan’s three goals and 22 possessions. Tim Kelly and Gary Ablett also made significant contributions with their standout performances.
2022: A Dominant Start for Geelong
In the 2022 season opener, Geelong delivered a commanding performance, crushing Essendon by 66 points. Tyson Stengle and Tom Hawkins each scored four goals, while Brandan Parfitt and Patrick Dangerfield gathered over 30 disposals, setting a strong tone for the season.
2023: Hawkins’ Stellar Performance
Last year, Geelong thrilled nearly 70,000 fans at the MCG with a 28-point win, highlighted by Tom Hawkins’ eight-goal performance. Patrick Dangerfield dominated the midfield with 28 disposals, 10 clearances, and 15 inside 50s, while Tom Stewart excelled in defense with 26 disposals and 13 rebound 50s.
As Geelong and Essendon prepare for this year’s encounter, fans eagerly anticipate another exciting chapter in the Country Game series, celebrating the enduring connection between football and regional communities.
