Patrick Dangerfield 

29 Disposals, 17 Contested Possessions, Eight Score Involvements, One Goal

The Cats skipper stood tall on numerous occasions throughout Saturday's match, having a hand in a number of crucial scoring opportunities to help his side storm home to victory. 

Dangerfield collected a season-high 29 disposals as he rotated between the forward line and midfield, but importantly he recorded eight score involvements to help generate plenty of the Cats attacking forays. 

In a tense final term, Dangerfield converted a pivotal set-shot opportunity and also dished off a goal assist to Jack Bowes, capping off a stellar night that helped to lead Geelong to victory. 

04:54

Last two mins | Cats Hold On In A Thriller at the G

The thrilling final moments between Collingwood and Geelong in round eight

Bailey Smith

34 Disposals, 715 Metres Gained, Five Clearances, One Goal

Smith capped off a brilliant run of games at the MCG with another impressive performance on Saturday night, collecting a game-high 34 disposals to go with five clearances and a goal early in the game. 

Perhaps the most important stat from Smith's night was his ability to generate plenty of run and carry, finishing with a game-high 715 metres gained to help drive the Cats forward on numerous occasions. 

Smith also registered five score involvements at went at a very handy 74% efficiency, continuing his terrific start to the year. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Bailey Smith of the Cats celebrates during the 2025 AFL Round 08 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 3, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Sam De Koning 

14 Disposals, Seven Marks, 10 Intercept Possessions

One of the most crucial points in the game came during the third quarter when Geelong's defence held up under immense pressure, lead by Sam De Koning who helped to flip the momentum back the Cats way. 

Following on from a strong performance last week, De Koning collected another 10 intercept possessions against the Magpies as he continues to settle back into the Cats defensive unit. 

In the absence of some key defensive stars, De Koning has stood tall picking off 21 intercept possessions across the past two matches.

00:18

Team Song | Round 8

Watch the Cats celebrate their round eight win

Shaun Mannagh 

18 Disposals, Eight Clearances, Nine Score Involvements, Two Goals

A player who continues to perform on the biggest stages, Shaun Mannagh added to his sensational stretch of football with another brilliant display against the Magpies on Saturday night. 

Playing a variety of roles for the Cats and spending time around stoppages, Mannagh was able to have a big influence through the midfield as he won a game-high eight clearances. 

But his impact did not stop there, pushing forward to boot two goals while also having a hand in nine score involvements to help steer Geelong to victory. 

Mark O'Connor

11 Disposals, Eight Marks, Five Intercept Possessions

Playing one out on the last line of defence is never an easy task, but Mark O'Connor did it extremely well and thwarted a number of Collingwood attacks throughout the night. 

The Irishman took eight marks and collected five intercept possessions, but his impact stretched far beyond the stat sheet in an instrumental display. 

Another player that has been in great form in 2025, O'Connor has proved to be a solid and reliable asset in defence for Geelong.