Geelong's last match in their three game stretch at the MCG poses another tough challenge, with the Cats set to do battle with Collingwood on Saturday night.
The Magpies have started the 2025 season in impressive fashion, coming into Round 8 on a six-game winning streak and currently sitting on top of the ladder.
Rated amongst the competition's best teams both offensively and defensively, Geelong will need to bring plenty of pressure from the start on Saturday.
Check out all the key stats and figures to watch this weekend, proudly presented by Deakin University.
Ladder
Collingwood: 1st (6-1)
Geelong: 7th (4-3)
Points For
Collingwood - 648
Geelong - 665
Points Against
Collingwood - 462
Geelong - 556
Deakin Performance Stat of the Week - Collingwood's Defence
Through the first seven weeks of the season, Collingwood are rated as one of the strongest teams defensively, conceding the least amount of points per game of any team in the competition (66 points).
The Magpies have restricted their last six opponents to less than 80 points, keeping three teams to 53 points or less since Round 1.
A key feature of this has been their intercept defenders, with Darcy Moore ranked 12th in the competition for intercept possessions, while Darcy Cameron ranks sixth in the AFL for intercept marks and Jeremy Howe sits 12th.
Collingwood's Scores Conceded in 2025
| Opposition | Score Conceded | Score Differential |
| Round 1 - Port Adelaide | 6.9 (45) | +91 |
| Round 2 - Western Bulldogs | 10.10 (70) | +6 |
| Round 4 - Carlton | 6.10 (46) | +17 |
| Round 5 - Sydney | 12.6 (78) | +31 |
| Round 6 - Brisbane | 7.11 (53) | +52 |
| Round 7 - Essendon | 10.6 (66) | +41 |
Another feature of Collingwood's game has been their ability to overwhelm opponents with inside 50's, registering more inside 50 entries in six of seven matches this year.
Geelong have have been able to break through the Magpies defence in recent meetings however, averaging 95 points per game in the last five clashes with Collingwood.
Limiting their Scoring Avenues
Despite their defensive prowess, Collingwood do not lack offensive firepower averaging 93 points per game so far in 2025.
The impressive part of their attack is that they have numerous avenues to goal, with Jamie Elliott (15 goals) currently their leading goalkicker for the year, ranked 15th in the competition.
Five different Magpies currently sit in the AFL's top 50 for goals kicked this year, displaying their even spread of scoring which makes the offense more unpredictable.
| Player | Goals Kicked | AFL Rank |
| Jamie Elliott | 15 | 15th |
| Bobby Hill | 11 | 25th |
| Brody Mihocek | 11 | 25th |
| Tim Membrey | 9 | 37th |
| Daniel McStay | 8 | 47th |
Controlling the Midfield
The midfield battle is important every week, but it will be even more vital against Collingwood who are currently the fourth best clearance team in the competition.
Collingwood have accumulated more clearances than their opponent in six of their first seven matches this year, lead by Nick Daicos (4th in the AFL), Darcy Cameron and Steele Sidebottom (tied 21st).
Over the last two weeks the Magpies have been particularly dominant, comfortably beating Brisbane (+10) and Essendon (+14) to record a pair of strong victories.
Geelong by comparison have only won the clearance battle once in their first seven games despite their overall differential (-15) not being too bad, but this will be an are of focus on Saturday night.
Saturday night's match against Collingwood is fully ticketed event. General Admission Cats members with access must upgrade their membership to a reserved seat to attend. Alternatively, Cats fans can purchase a ticket via Ticketek.
Can't attend? Watch the Cats and Pies do battle via a Digital Plus membership and save today!
Geelong's next home game at GMHBA Stadium is against GWS on Mother's Day, with first bounce at 3.20pm. Secure your ticket today via the link here.
