Geelong has secured an impressive win over Collingwood at Victoria Park, overcoming difficult conditions with a disciplined four-quarter performance to secure a 61-point victory on Saturday.
The Cats adapted quickly to the slippery conditions in the opening term, defending strongly and limiting Collingwood's scoring opportunities early. Dan Capiron opened the scoring with the first goal of the match.
Kye Annand was influential around the ball with eight first-quarter disposals, while Jamieson Ballantyne provided a spark in attack with two early goals. Charley Green also produced one of the highlights of the quarter, taking a strong contested mark before converting it into a goal as Geelong carried an eight-point lead into the second term.
Geelong continued to build momentum in the second quarter, with the midfield group beginning to take control despite the inside 50 count staying relatively even throughout the first half.
Jack Costello was one of the Cats’ best across the afternoon, finishing with 26 disposals and two clearances, while Mitch Knevitt produced a powerful midfield performance with 24 disposals and seven clearances in the win.
Lennox Hoffman was outstanding through the middle with 22 disposals, while Joe Pike competed strongly in the ruck with 33 hit-outs and 11 clearances. Gryan Miers, returning from injury, added composure and class around the contest with 21 disposals, helping generate attacking opportunities for the Cats.
George Stevens continued his excellent season, kicking two goals while also collecting 31 disposals and eight clearances in a strong all-round display. Marcus Herbert added important drive with 31 disposals, while Ballantyne hit the scoreboard again with another major as Geelong extended its lead to 11 points at halftime.
The Cats tightened their grip on the game after the main break, lifting their pressure around the contest and continuing to defend strongly behind the ball. Jesse Mellor proved dangerous forward of centre, finishing with 14 disposals and two goals in an influential performance.
Charley Green continued his strong afternoon with another major, while Oli Wiltshire added to the scoreboard in the third term as the Cats’ pressure and ball movement began to overwhelm Collingwood. Ballantyne stayed dangerous inside 50 with another goal of his own, helping Geelong extend its lead heading into the final break.
Tom Pierce also celebrated a special moment late in the contest, kicking his first goal in Geelong colours to cap off an impressive team performance.
Geelong finished strongly in the final term, with Oliver Wiltshire and Jesse Mellor kicking the opening two goals of the quarter to help seal an impressive victory over the Magpies.
2026 VFL Season - Round 7
COLLINGWOOD 3.1 5.2 6.4 8.7 (55)
GEELONG CATS 4.3 6.7 11.10 17.14 (116)
GOALS
Collingwood: West 4, Teakle, Saxena, Harrison, Faulkhead 1
Geelong Cats: Ballantyne 4, Green 3, Wiltshire, Stevens, Mellor, Capiron 2, Peirce, Costello 1
DISPOSALS
Collingwood: Allan 32, Swadling 29, Ryan 24, DeMattia 21, Jiath 20
Geelong Cats: Stevens, Herbert 31, Costello 26, Knevitt 24, Hofmann 22
