It is always a big occasion taking on Collingwood at the MCG. Make it a Saturday night blockbuster on a record-breaking night, and it adds even more drama to the spectacle. 

The sound of over 80,000 cheering fans creates an intimidating environment, one that a number of teams and players struggle to handle as the pressure intensifies. 

Geelong are well accustomed to such occasions and were prepared for what the Magpies had in store, as they rounded out their MCG triple-header in Round 8. 

Looking to bounce back after falling to Carlton the previous week, the Cats shot out of the blocks in a rapid start, booting the opening three goals of the game with Bailey Smith bringing the Cats faithful to their feet with a brilliant finish from outside 50.

08:17

Highlights | Round 8

The Magpies and Cats clash in round eight of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

Ollie Dempsey produced a phenomenal highlight as he launched high into the night sky, pulling down a mark-of-the-year contender and kicking the Cats' fourth goal in the opening term.

But despite the hot start, Collingwood roared back into the contest and piled on five unanswered goals of their own, leaving Geelong seven points adrift heading into half-time.

Smith was everywhere in the first half accumulating 15 disposals and over 300 metres gained, but the Cats struggled to get opportunities inside 50.

The challenge became even greater after the main break, Collingwood kicked the first two goals of the third quarter and Geelong were unable to split the big sticks through the first 20 minutes of the term.

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

But trailing by a game-high 20 points, the Cats had another surge left in the tank kicking three of the last four goals in the third quarter, closing the gap back to seven points at the final break. 

Patrick Dangerfield then stamped his authority on the contest, collecting 13 disposals (10 contested) and five score involvements in the final quarter alone, including a big goal in the middle of a major run for the Cats.

Geelong piled on four unanswered goals and at the 30-minute mark of the last term, held a 17 point lead with the game seemingly over. 

But Collingwood had one last comeback left to mount, booting two quick goals to close within a kick and had one final chance with milestone man, Jack Crisp to win the game after the siren. 

Crisp dragged his set-shot wide to the right, the Cats escaped with the four points in a famous victory at the MCG.