Analysis

This week we look back into the archives at the best editions of the Country Game, with the two teams set to play in the eighth instalment of the fixture.

Developed in 2015 and driven by Kevin Sheedy, the inaugural ‘Country Game’ was first played in round four of the 2016 season.  
 
The idea behind the game was to recognise the impact of regional and rural communities, and specifically their connection with the two clubs.  
 
2024 will see the Cats recognise the contribution that regional football clubs make to the game of Australian Football, while also wearing a commemorative guernsey to honour the occasion.  
 
On field it has been an intriguing battle, with the Cats winning the last four Country Games, and five of seven since the fixture’s inception in 2016. 
 
Let’s look back at each Country Game, as the Cats prepare for the eighth instalment this Saturday night.  
 
Round 4 2016 – Cats win the Inaugural Country Game  
 
The Cats took the honours in the inaugural Country Round game in 2016, defeating the Bombers by 30 points in front of 42,723 at the MCG. 
 
Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan and Joel Selwood all found plenty of the footy, as the Cats held Essendon goalless in the final quarter to run away with the victory.  

Round 8 2017 – Essendon get their first Country Game win 
 
Geelong mounted a big comeback in the second instalment of the Country Game but couldn’t quite get over the line as the Bombers hung on for a 17 point win.  
 
The Cats trailed by 40 points near the end of the third quarter, trimming the margin to just 10 midway through the final term but were unable to land the decisive blow. 
 
Tom Hawkins booted four goals, while Patrick Dangerfield picked up 30 disposals to go with his two majors.  

Round 9 2018 – Essendon make it two in a row  
 
The third Country Game was less suspenseful than the clashes that proceeded it, with the Cats struggling to gather momentum as they were defeated by 34 points.  
 
Joel Selwood (30 disposals & 1 goal) and Patrick Dangerfield (27 disposals & 2 goals) were among the best for the Cats.  

Round 7 2019 – Cats return to Country Game winners list 
 
After losing consecutive games against the Bombers, the Cats bounced back in 2019 with a strong 32 point win.  
 
Geelong dominated possession with nine players collecting 20 disposals or more, led by Mitch Duncan who booted three goals to go with his 22 possessions.  
 
Tim Kelly picked up 30 disposals and two goals, while Gary Ablett joined in the action with two majors and 26 disposals.  

 
Round 1 2022 – Cats run rampant in opening round demolition
 
The Cats opened their season with the Country Game in 2022, flying out of the blocks to take an unassailable 60-point lead at half time, eventually going on to close out a 66-point victory.  
 
Tyson Stengle and Tom Hawkins dominated up forward with four goals each, while Brandan Parfitt and Patrick Dangerfield both gathered over 30 disposals on the day.   

Round 7 2023 – Big Hawk piles on eight goals  
 
Geelong was dominant in front of nearly 70,000 people at the MCG last year, with Tom Hawkins booting eight goals as the Cats cruised to a 28 point win.  
 
Patrick Dangerfield was inspirational in the midfield, winning 10 clearances and having 15 inside 50’s from his 28 disposals, while Tom Stewart was at his usual best down back with 26 disposals and 13 rebound 50’s.