There are not many bigger occasions in the home and away season and the stage is set for a monumental Saturday night, as Geelong return to the MCG to take on Collingwood in a blockbuster Round 9 battle.
The Cats will be looking to build on their strong finish to last week's game against North Melbourne, which moved them back into the top six with a 5-3 record through the opening eight games of the season.
Geelong's main storyline heading into the night is the milestone match for star defender, Tom Stewart as the club prepares to celebrate his 200th AFL game.
On the other side of the equation, Collingwood have also made a steady start to 2026 and always provide a strong challenge for the Cats, so expect nothing less this weekend.
With the stakes high in this important early season clash, take a look ahead to Geelong's Round 9 match as they prepare to take on the Magpies, proudly presented by Lee Kum Kee.
KEY DETAILS
2026 AFL Season | Round 9
Geelong Cats v Collingwood
MCG, Melbourne
Saturday May 9, 7.35pm AEST
TEAM SELECTION
LAST TIME WE MET
A brilliant contest from the start to the end and a grandstand finish, Geelong's last clash with Collingwood simply had it all.
The Cats were well held in the opening half but stormed home with an impressive burst in the fourth quarter, before Collingwood mounted one last challenge and Jack Crisp had a chance to win the game after the siren, but missed as Geelong held on for a famous three-point victory.
Patrick Dangerfield was immense with 29 disposals and a goal, Bailey Smith was equally as impressive with 34 disposals and a goal of his own, while Shaun Mannagh added two goals and eight clearances in a dominant display.
LEE KUM KEE - PIVOTAL MATCH-UP
Nick Daicos v Bailey Smith
While there will be plenty of headlines to watch as the game unfolds, a match-up between two of the competition's best players will be one that you can not afford to take your eye off on Saturday night.
Nick Daicos and Bailey Smith seem to find the footy with ease every time they step onto the field, both able to have an impact around stoppages and heading into the forward half with their run and carry.
For the Magpies, Daicos leads the AFL for total disposals and inside 50s this year, while also leading Collingwood for clearances and score involvements in a strong start to 2026.
Smith ranks third in the AFL for disposals and second for inside 50s, while leading Geelong for score involvements, goal assists and clearances.
It will be intriguing to see if Geelong send Oisin Mullin to Daicos in a negating role, but it will be absolutely box office either way to see Bailey Smith and Nick Daicos line up across from each other in the midfield on Saturday night.
KEY PLAYER TO WATCH
Tom Atkins
It is generally expected to be a tough and contested match anytime Geelong takes on Collingwood, which plays right into the hands of hard-nosed midfielder Tom Atkins.
Atkins has been rock solid to start 2026, averaging 19.5 disposals and 7.4 tackles per game, adding plenty of grunt and his trademark defensive efforts to complement Geelong's other star on-ballers.
In nine career appearances against the Magpies, Atkins averages 19.9 disposals which is his second-highest average against any opponent, while also adding four clearances per game.
MARCH TO THE 'G
A favourite tradition of the Geelong Football Club is set to return this weekend, as the Cats bring back the 'March to the 'G' on Saturday night!
Prior to Geelong's blockbuster battle with Collingwood, Cats fans will be encouraged to join in the festivities as we march through Melbourne, travelling along the Birrarung Marr Walk at the bottom of Federation Square.
Fans are asked to arrive at the Birrarung Marr Walk at 5.00pm AEST for a 5.30pm departure, with the Cats Marching Band also set to be in attendance from 5.15pm.
Geelong's march will then follow around the banks of the Yarra River, before a sea of blue and white will descend upon the MCG at 6.00pm in time for the game.
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.
