Geelong and Collingwood, one of the most storied rivalries in the league's history, full of incredible players and epic moments that epitomise what this great game is all about.
Dating back to the formation of the VFL, the two teams have squared off 226 times and both sides have maintained periods of success, which has spanned across big games, milestone matches and Finals clashes.
Almost without fail, these games produce some of the greatest highlights that are etched into the minds of all those fortunate enough to watch them live, even spanning up to last year's contest decided by a kick after the final siren.
From Gary Ablett Senior's unbelievable mark in 1994 to his son's memorable goal in the 2007 Preliminary Final, some of Geelong's most iconic moments have come against Collingwood on the big stage at the MCG.
Combing through the record books, we break down 10 of the best moments from Geelong's history with Collingwood, ahead of another monumental clash on Thursday night.
1. Hawkins' Coming of Age in the 2011 Decider
There were a plethora of storylines heading into the 2011 Grand Final, with the Cats searching for their third premiership in five years and Collingwood looking to make it back-to-back.
What transpired through the first three quarters was one of the great Grand Finals in AFL history.
Both teams had periods of ascendancy early, hardly anything separating the sides at half time and it was one of those matches that felt like a single player or period of dominance could ultimately decide it.
Enter Tom Hawkins.
While he had shown flashes of his potential, the young key forward officially announced himself on the biggest stage, clunking seven contested marks and kicking three goals in the second half to help the Cats kick away.
Hawkins also dished off a handball to Steve Johnson for another crucial fourth quarter goal, tearing the game apart and finishing third in the voting for the Norm Smith Medal, playing a vital role in helping Geelong to prevail over the Magpies.
2. One of the Greatest Smothers in AFL History
The importance of the 2007 Preliminary Final will not be lost on Cats fans and has been touched on during the week, the game that changed the club's fortunes and set them on the path to greatness.
There were plenty of iconic moments throughout the night, such as Gary Ablett Junior's sealer and the three goal stretch to begin the fourth quarter.
But one unheralded moment is one of the greatest smothers the game has ever seen, produced by Joel Corey at a crucial stage midway through the third term.
Collingwood's Chris Bryan received a handball and strolled inside 50 with no Geelong player anywhere near him, waltzing into a paddock of space with an abundance of time to line-up the big sticks.
But out of nowhere, Corey came flying in at a rate of knots, throwing himself across Bryan's boot and laying a phenomenal smother, even trapping the ball and helping to repel Collingwood's attack and exit defensive 50.
3. Joel's Sensational Record in an Epic 2022 Comeback
It shaped up as a memorable night as Joel Selwood eclipsed Stephen Kernahan's record for the most games as captain, the Cats icon leading his side for the 227th time when Geelong faced Collingwood in Round 3 of the 2022 season.
Despite plenty of celebration in the build up, it almost turned into a forgettable match for Cats fans as the Magpies piled on seven unanswered goals in the third term, leaving Geelong 37 points adrift in the shadows of three quarter time.
But desperate to get the job done for their skipper, the Cats lifted their intensity and started to eat into the deficit, slamming home six majors of their own either side of the final break, levelling the scores at the 16-minute mark of the fourth term.
Full of running and with momentum on their side, Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins sealed the comeback with two more late goals, Cameron taking his tally to six on the night and ultimately securing the three Brownlow votes.
It was a result and a game fitting of a champion, as Geelong celebrated Joel Selwood's milestone night in the best way possible, before he received the fairytale finish to his career later in the same season.
4. Cometh the Moment, Cometh the Man....the Son of the Man
The aforementioned 2007 Preliminary Final was the hurdle Geelong needed to clear, setting them on the path to greatness as they went on to win three of the next five premierships.
The Cats cleared out to an 18-point lead in the final term before Collingwood hit back, closing the gap and elevating the tension around the MCG with a spot in the Grand Final on the line.
From a forward stoppage at the 20-minute mark of the last quarter, Brad Ottens palmed down a brilliant hit-out to Ablett's advantage and the Little Master did the rest, curling home a brilliant goal that generated one of Dennis Commetti's greatest lines.
It proved to be Geelong's last score of the game, the sealer in a five-point victory that set the Cats up to break their 44-year premiership drought a week later.
5. Another 'Tomahawk' Milestone in the 2019 Season Opener
There were plenty of unknowns for the Cats heading into their 2019 season opener against the Magpies, with four players making their AFL debut in front of a packed crowd at the MCG.
But one thing that definitely did not need to be doubted was the presence of the 'Tomahawk' inside forward 50, as the big Cat helped to lead his side to victory in an instant classic.
The contest ebbed and flowed, both teams producing moments of brilliance while simultaneously shaking off the early season rust, with scores level at three quarter time and a grandstand finish awaiting.
With the Magpies in front at the 20-minute mark of the final term, Brandan Parfitt kicked a beauty to level the scores before Hawkins capitalised on his big moment, curling home the sealer as Geelong prevailed in a remarkable contest.
The goal was also the 500th of Hawkins' incredible career, another big milestone and moment for one of the greatest forwards of the modern era.
6. Cats Hang on in Low-Scoring 2011 Thriller
There was something in the water when these two sides squared off in 2011, with every clash memorable for one reason or another.
The first match occurred in Round 8, with over 80,000 in attendance at the 'G and they were treated to yet another spectacular contest between the Cats and Magpies.
It was not quite the most polished game between the two, particularly from a Geelong perspective as they opened the game with eight straight behinds, finishing the first half with 2.10 on the scoreboard and trailing by 11 points at the main break.
Geelong would add three goals in the third term and pulled within five points at the final change, before making their big move with three unanswered goals through the middle of the fourth quarter.
The big play came from Dan Menzel in his 10th AFL game, winning a crucial contest against Dane Swan on the wing and setting up a Steve Johnson goal, before the Cats staved off a late challenge to claim another famous win over Collingwood.
7. Varcoe with a Casual Left Foot Goal...to Remember
There were plenty of big performances for Geelong in the 2011 Grand Final. The previously mentioned Hawkins masterclass, Jimmy Bartel's day out and Joel Selwood's trademark toughness around the contest.
But one of the more unheralded displays came from Travis Varcoe, who finished the day with 21 disposals and three goals, providing a valuable touch of class in front of the big sticks for the Cats.
Varcoe split the game open early, kicking the opening goal of the match in just 15 seconds and adding another at the four-minute mark, helping to get his side off to a flyer in the first term.
But it was his third goal that proved to be most memorable, as the dashing Cat helped repel a Collingwood attack down one end of the ground, having a number of touches in the chain and then producing a nonchalant finish on his left foot.
It was a remarkable effort from one end of the ground to the other, a brilliant finish and it came at a pivotal juncture in the match, pushing Geelong's lead to 21 points early in the final term.
8. Ablett Senior Mark of the Century
There could not possibly be a greatest Geelong moments list without one of the best marks ever taken, the day Gary Ablett Senior touched the heavens.
In Round 7 of the 1994 season, the Cats took on Collingwood and dominated early with a seven goal to none opening term, leading by 53 points at half time.
But the moment came in the final term, as David Mensch punched a kick deep inside 50 and Ablett soared over the top of his opponent, briefly sitting on his shoulders and pulling down a one-hand grab for the ages.
The mercurial one then did something he rarely ever did, missing the goal, but it did not matter as he etched himself into AFL folklore, and the Cats went on to win the match.
9. Holmes Seals the Deal in Heart-Stopping Qualifying Final
After a number of near misses in previous seasons, the nerves were high and the tension was palpable when Geelong took on Collingwood in the 2022 Qualifying Final.
The Cats had stumbled in the first week of Finals for the better part of a decade, but were keen to continue their remarkable season in 2022 and to extend their winning streak from the back half of the home and away season.
A contest fitting of the occasion ensued, both teams producing a plethora of brilliant highlights and the Cats continually responding under immense pressure, leaving scores level with just two minutes remaining in the match.
Geelong set-up one final forward thrust, a brilliant passage of play starting with Tom Stewart at half back, involving Mitch Duncan and Cam Guthrie, before finding Jeremy Cameron just forward of the wing.
The star forward found Gary Rohan inside forward 50 and despite a fumble, he gathered and fed the ball to Max Holmes, who punched the ball into the 25th row and sent the Cats faithful into a frenzy.
It was ultimately the final score of the game, Geelong winning in the most dramatic of circumstances and progressing to a Preliminary Final, which would set them on the path to the 2022 premiership.
10. Chappy Stars in 2009 Thursday Night Blockbuster
Thursday night at the MCG is always a massive occasion between the two sides, and it was no different in 2009 as Geelong and Collingwood played out an enthralling contest.
The Magpies started sprightly to build a 20-point lead by quarter time, but the Cats hit back with seven unanswered goals in the second term to turn the early deficit into a 27-point advantage at the main break.
The match still hung in the balance up until the final change, but another seven goals in the final term proved to be decisive for Geelong, as they maintained their margin and closed out a 27-point victory.
Paul Chapman was the standout for the Cats, putting together an outstanding performance that included 35 disposals and four goals, netting him the three Brownlow votes.
Who will write their name into the history books of this incredible rivalry on Thursday night? Secure your seat at the MCG and do not miss a minute of the action as Geelong takes on Collingwood in Round 21.
