There are not many grander stages in the AFL than the one that awaits Geelong in Round 9, as they prepare to take on Collingwood under bright lights at the MCG on Saturday night. 

It has been one of the game's more competitive and intriguing rivalries in recent history with the two sides playing out a number of thrilling clashes, which includes last year's heart-stopper in front of a packed crowd at the home of football. 

Across the last 13 games between Geelong and Collingwood, five have been decided by 13 points or less and only one has finished with a margin greater than 22 points, highlighting the consistency of both teams. 

The Cats are coming off a strong finish against North Melbourne on the weekend which moved them into the sixth on the ladder and now holding a 5-3 record, two points clear of Collingwood after their draw with Hawthorn, setting the stage for another blockbuster clash on Saturday night. 

Take a look ahead to Geelong's big clash with Collingwood as the club also prepares to celebrate Tom Stewart's 200th game, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats celebrates a goal with teammates 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)

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 9

Geelong Cats v Collingwood

MCG, Melbourne

Saturday May 9, 7.35pm AEST

LAST TIME WE MET

An all-time classic match unfolded in Round 8 last year when Geelong squared off with Collingwood at the 'G, in a game that came down to the very last kick. 

In a see-sawing affair that saw both teams hold leads of three goals or more at various stages, Geelong looked like they made a decisive move in the final term as they kicked away to a 17 point lead at the 27 minute mark. 

But Collingwood struck back with two quick majors and the ball landed in the hands of Jack Crisp, who was celebrating his own milestone and had a shot to win it after the siren, but his kick sailed wide right and the Cats held on for a famous three point victory. 

Patrick Dangerfield produced a memorable performance collecting 29 disposals and eight score involvements, doing most of his damage in the final quarter with the game on the line, while Bailey Smith (34 disposals, five clearances) and Shaun Mannagh (18 disposals, two goals) were also pivotal. 

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

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets are on sale for Saturday's blockbuster clash with Collingwood, follow the link below to secure your seat through Ticketek. 

Head to Geelong Cats Membership page to see all available membership options for the remainder of the season. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 9 clash with Collingwood will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 7.30pm AEST, ahead of the opening bounce at 7.35pm. 

Cats fans can also listen to all the action on K rock from 6.00pm AEST, tune in via FM 95.5 across Geelong & the Surf Coast, the K rock app or the AFL app.

Make sure to follow @GeelongCats social media channels for updates pre, during and post game.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: Tom Stewart of the Cats warms up ahead of the round eight AFL match between Geelong Cats and North Melbourne Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium, on May 02, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

PLAYER TO WATCH

Tom Stewart

Another milestone lies ahead this weekend and it is the chance to celebrate another champion of the club, with Tom Stewart set to play his 200th AFL game on Saturday night. 

It has been an extraordinary journey from South Barwon to one of the game's greatest defenders, with Stewart now a five-time All-Australian and a premiership player among a plethora of other accolades. 

He has also served as Geelong's Vice-Captain since 2022 and has been a true leader in the Cats' defensive unit, his presence simply can not be understated in the club's sustained period of success. 

It will be a brilliant opportunity to celebrate Stewart's career this week, as he prepares to become just the 45th player in Geelong Football Club history to reach 200 AFL games.