Geelong has gone down to Collingwood by 28 points on Saturday night, with the Magpies claiming a 17.10 (112) to 12.12 (84) victory despite a number of strong individual performances from the Cats.
The Cats started brightly, moving the ball with speed and precision to create opportunities in attack. George Stevens opened Geelong's account with the first goal, before Jesse Mellor added another after a strong passage of play that featured a clever goal assist from Mitch Knevitt.
Strong centre clearance work helped Geelong gain the early dominance around the contest, while Jack Bowes also hit the scoreboard to continue the Cats' momentum. Knevitt was prominent throughout the opening term, collecting nine disposals and three clearances.
Geelong continued to compete strongly in the second quarter, winning both the kicking contest and the inside 50 battle. Jamieson Ballantyne produced one of the highlights of the evening with a clever goal over his head before Sam De Koning and Zach Stevens both added majors.
The Cats' quick handball chains helped generate attacking opportunities, while Lennox Hofmann impressed with 12 disposals, including 10 kicks, and six marks by the main break.
Although Collingwood gained control on the scoreboard after halftime, Geelong continued to find contributors across the ground. Hunter Holmes worked tirelessly through the third quarter, recording 14 disposals and a clearance, while Ballantyne continued to impact the contest with four score involvements.
The Cats continued to fight until the final siren, with Holmes kicking a goal in the last term before Jay Rantall and Jesse Mellor also found the scoreboard.
Cillian Burke was important around the contest, finishing with 21 disposals, four marks and two clearances, while Zach Stevens capped off another solid performance with 16 disposals and a clearance.
Jack Bowes was outstanding across four quarters, producing a dominant display with 41 disposals, seven marks and six clearances. George Stevens also impressed with 32 disposals, 16 kicks and 11 clearances in another influential performance through the midfield.
2026 VFL Season - Round 19
GEELONG CATS 3.1 8.2 8.5 12.12 (84)
COLLINGWOOD 3.4 5.6 13.8 17.10 (112)
GOALS
Geelong Cats: Z.Stevens, Mellor, Ballantyne 2, G.Stevens, Rantall, Pike, Holmes, De Koning, Bowes 1
Collingwood: Podhajski, Mahoney 3, Steele, Grey, DeMattia, Buller 2, Sullivan, Smit, Hayes 1
DISPOSALS
Geelong Cats: Bowes 41, G.Stevens 32, Knevitt 25, Holmes, Bews 23
Collingwood: Swadling 39, Browne 33, Sullivan 31, Ryan 28
