A second consecutive week brings another trip to the MCG for Geelong, but the stakes remain high as they prepare to face Collingwood on Thursday night.
It looms as a season-defining clash for both sides as the race for the top six heats up, with the Cats and Magpies currently occupying eighth and ninth positions on the ladder entering the final month of the home and away season.
The winner will stay within striking distance of the top six while the loser will remain in the ladder logjam, with only one game separating fifth down to ninth currently.
For Geelong, a win this week would be a significant boost as they look to build on their back-to-back victories over the past fortnight, with clashes against Essendon, North Melbourne and Richmond to follow to close out the regular season.
With so much on the line, take a last look ahead to the Cats' clash with Collingwood on Thursday night at the MCG, proudly presented by Lee Kum Kee.
KEY DETAILS
2026 AFL Season | Round 21
Collingwood v Geelong Cats
MCG, Melbourne
Thursday 30 July, 7.30pm AEST
TEAM SELECTION
LAST TIME WE MET
Geelong and Collingwood met in Round 9 this year and after an evenly matched opening half, the Cats kicked away to clinch a comfortable 54-point victory in front of 83,166 at the MCG.
Only 10 points separated the teams at the main break, but the Cats took full control of the contest with a run of seven unanswered goals after half time, keeping the Magpies goalless for nearly two full quarters until midway through the fourth term.
There were some big winners on the night but perhaps none more than Bailey Smith, who stuffed the stat sheet with 40 disposals, six clearances, six inside 50s and a game-high 14 score involvements.
Ahead of the ball, Ollie Henry slotted four majors against his old side, Shaun Mannagh chipped in with three goals from his 13 disposals, while Shannon Neale registered 13 score involvements from 17 disposals.
Lawson Humphries was phenomenal across half back picking off eight intercept possessions, while Oisin Mullin finished with nine score involvements and performed strongly in a big match-up with Nick Daicos.
LEE KUM KEE - PIVOTAL MATCH-UP
Oisin Mullin v Nick Daicos
The marquee battle inside the main event on Thursday night, pitting the game's best specialist tagger against one of the best players in the competition.
Oisin Mullin has been given some of the biggest tasks in football this year and continues to knock them out of the park, following another terrific job in nullifying Demons star Kysaiah Pickett last Friday.
His scalps across the season include the likes of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Bontempelli and Lachie Neale, while also playing out a fascinating battle with Daicos earlier in the season.
In the Round 9 contest with the Magpies, Mullin collected a career-high 21 disposals and nine score involvements, while Daicos collected 29 disposals but his impact was quelled, going at 55% disposal efficiency and only registering four score involvements.
Collingwood's superstar has been phenomenal in 2026 and is the Brownlow Medal favourite for a reason, setting up a mouthwatering battle under the bright lights at the MCG on Thursday night.
VFL
With the minor premiership locked away, Geelong will now be looking to continue their momentum into the Finals campaign, as they return home for their final home game in the home and away season.
The VFL Cats will take on Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium on Friday to kick off the Round 19 action, with the match set to commence at 4.10pm AEST.
Following a 53-point win over Casey last week, Geelong cemented their spot atop the VFL ladder and now can not be superseded, with Werribee 14 points behind in second position with only three games remaining in their regular season.
The Cats will be looking to extend their 12-game winning streak on Friday, with a number of emerging stars combining nicely with some established names to produce a brilliant brand of football in 2026.
Friday's game will be free to attend for Geelong membership holders, tickets are available at the Gate, and Gate 13 will be open from 3.25pm for Cats fans heading to GMHBA Stadium to watch the clash.
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 spur 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.
