Geelong secured a vital victory over Melbourne last Friday, but there is no time to sit back and enjoy the win with another crucial clash looming in Round 21, as they head back to the MCG on Thursday night to take on Collingwood.
The win over the Demons moved the Cats back within a game of the top six, with five teams now jostling for position and only four rounds remaining in the home and away season.
Collingwood is also one of those teams in the logjam, currently two points clear of Geelong in eighth place, meaning this clash could go a long way to deciding the top six and the Wildcard Round.
After taking on the Magpies this Thursday, the Cats will then conclude the regular season with matches against Essendon, North Melbourne and Richmond, as they look to secure at least a home Elimination Final in the opening week of September.
With so much at stake once again, take a look ahead to Geelong's blockbuster battle with Collingwood on Thursday night at the MCG, proudly presented by Villawood Properties.
KEY DETAILS
2026 AFL Season | Round 21
Collingwood v Geelong Cats
MCG, Melbourne
Thursday July 30, 7.30pm AEST
LAST TIME WE MET
Geelong and Collingwood squared off earlier in the season, with the Cats putting together a complete performance in Round 9 to clinch a 54-point victory at the MCG.
After a relatively even opening half, Geelong put the foot down after the main break with a run of seven unanswered goals, kicking 11 goals to four in the second half to seal the result.
Against his former side, Ollie Henry was exceptional in front of the big sticks with four goals from 12 disposals, while Shaun Mannagh also contributed with three majors.
Bailey Smith ran amok with 40 disposals and 14 score involvements, Shannon Neale followed closely behind with 13 score involvements, while Oisin Mullin also did a commendable job on Nick Daicos.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Lawson Humphries
Geelong's dashing defender continues to be one of the most reliable distributors in the team this year, but Humphries is set to play a crucial role on Thursday night on the wide expanses of the MCG.
The young star is in the midst of another terrific campaign, averaging over 20 disposals and four rebound 50s per game, while also sitting in the club's top three for intercept possessions.
He also played a pivotal role in the victory over Melbourne, picking off seven intercept possessions and three intercept marks, while still displaying those trademark skills on both feet to send the Cats into attack.
Humphries will be important this week with his distribution because Collingwood thrive off turnovers. They have a +125 point differential in points from turnovers over the last six weeks, which has led to six consecutive victories.
Accessing the corridor and challenging Collingwood's defence will be vital on Thursday, and there are not many players more important than Lawson Humphries in that area for the Cats.
VFL CATS
Another week brings another remarkable achievement for the VFL Cats, with Saturday's victory over Casey meaning they can not be knocked out of top spot on the ladder, officially securing the minor premiership with three rounds remaining.
It has been an extraordinary year so far, now holding a 15-1 record after comfortably defeating the Demons by 53 points at Casey Fields, notching their 12th consecutive victory.
A number of key Cats produced a strong performance, including Jack Martin (four goals) and Jesse Mellor (three goals) inside forward 50, while Jack Bowes (34 disposals, 12 clearances) was outstanding through the middle of the ground.
George Stevens (32 disposals) continued his terrific season, Nick Driscoll (26 disposals) provided plenty of run, while Nathan Krueger (12 disposals) stood tall in defence under periods of immense pressure.
The Cats will return home for a Friday afternoon clash with Collingwood in Round 19, with the match set to kick off at 4.00pm AEST at GMHBA Stadium.
HOW TO GET TICKETS
Another big game awaits at the MCG this week and Cats fans are encouraged to head up the highway and show their support, to help will Geelong over the line against Collingwood.
Follow the link below to secure your seat for the blockbuster clash.
WHERE TO WATCH
Geelong's Round 21 clash with Collingwood will be broadcast on Channel 7 from 7.00pm AEST, before the game commences at 7.30pm.
The match will also be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo, with the coverage starting from 7.00pm.
Cats fans can also tune in via K rock from 6.00pm, listen via FM 95.5 across Geelong & the Surf Coast, delay-free via the K rock app, or the AFL app.
