Back-to-back MCG victories and Geelong's season is well and truly alive, after a stirring win over Collingwood on Thursday night. 

It was not easy, with the Cats having to withstand a substantial comeback after kicking away early, but they had all the answers when it mattered to seal the deal. 

The win jumps Geelong into fifth position on the ladder for the time being, but greatly increases their chances of securing a top-six finish with three games remaining in the home and away season. 

Throughout Thursday's clash, there were a number of key Cats that stood tall and helped to take control of the contest, withstanding immense pressure and capitalising on opportunities in front of the big sticks. 

Take a look through some of the standout performances from Thursday night at the MCG.  

08:17

Highlights: Collingwood v Geelong

The Magpies and Cats clash in round 21 of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

Ollie Dempsey

29 Disposals, 10 Marks, Two Goals

Certain grounds seem to suit certain players across the competition, but Ollie Dempsey seems to be perfectly built for the MCG with his remarkable running capacity and craft. 

The star Cat was phenomenal in the opening half, but continued his performance across all four quarters to finish with a career-high 29 disposals, 10 marks while also adding two goals in the first term. 

He was able to have an impact at both ends of the ground, also working back to pick off five intercept possessions and helping to nullify the attack of Collingwood's wingers. 

Dempsey's consistency has been sensational in recent weeks, hitting the scoreboard in seven of his last nine matches and continuing to find plenty of the footy, building yet another brilliant campaign. 

Ollie Henry

14 Disposals, Three Goals, Two Goal Assists

With Geelong's different looking forward line in recent weeks, numerous players have bobbed up and hit the scoreboard with great effect, but perhaps the most consistent has been Ollie Henry. 

After being a late inclusion against Melbourne last week, Henry picked apart the Demons with a four-goal haul and then backed it up with a stellar display against his former side, adding another three majors on Thursday night. 

He was also able to dish off two goal assists and finished the match with seven score involvements, particularly making his presence felt in the opening half to help the Cats build a substantial lead. 

00:42

'How would you describe that?': Cat’s freak finish stings old side

Oliver Henry watches on as his improbable effort gets the perfect bounce to hammer the final nail into Collingwood's coffin

James Worpel

24 Disposals, 10 Clearances, Seven Tackles

Working into the season nicely and looking increasingly comfortable in the Hoops, James Worpel was one of Geelong's prime movers in another solid outing on Thursday night. 

With the midfield battle a crucial part of the match, Worpel collected a game-high 10 clearances to go with an equal season-high 24 disposals, consistently able to win pivotal contests around stoppages and drive the Cats into attack. 

Rounding out his stat sheet with six inside 50s, 14 contested possessions and seven tackles, the tough on-baller was heavily influential and helped Geelong to win the clearance battle by 17 against the Magpies. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 24: James Worpel of the Cats in action during the 2026 AFL Round 20 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 24, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Mark O'Connor

20 Disposals, Seven Intercept Possessions, Four Inside 50s

The Irishman is such an integral part of Geelong's structure and that was evident once again on Thursday, able to play a vital role across half back and help to repel numerous Collingwood attacks as the game unfolded. 

O'Connor finished with 20 disposals and took a team-high three intercept marks, picking off seven intercept possessions and then generating four inside 50s from that. 

Spending plenty of time on Magpies star Jordan De Goey, O'Connor was also able to limit him to 19 disposals and four score involvements, another brilliant performance from the ever-reliable Cat. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 30: Mark O’Connor of the Cats in action during the 2026 AFL Round 21 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 30, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Tom Atkins

19 Disposals, Seven Tackles, Six Clearances

In the biggest moments and in the most crucial matches, you can always rely on Tom Atkins to be one of the key drivers in getting the ball rolling Geelong's way, and that was the case once again against Collingwood. 

The hard-nosed midfielder finished the night with 19 disposals, seven tackles and six clearances, often winning important contests through the middle of the ground and then working back to help out on the last line of defence. 

He also generated a game-high nine inside 50s, with most of Atkins' damage being done in the opening half to help set the game up for the Cats.