Collingwood vs Geelong Cats Verdict
Collingwood and Geelong Cats have had some blockbuster battles and this is another one tipped to go down to the wire. Both enter in strong form and I'm expecting another high-quality contest that is decided by less than 15 points.
- Five of the past eight matches between the two sides have been decided by less than 15 points, while another two were by less than 24.
- Josh Daicos has had 25+ disposals in five of his past six matches against Geelong.
- Ollie Henry has kicked 2+ goals in five of his past six against the Pies.
- Bailey Smith has had 34+ disposals in four of his past five against Collingwood.
Head to Head Stats
Geelong have won the past three matches against Collingwood, including the Round 9 clash this season by 54 points.
Collingwood Form - Six Wins Straight
Collingwood are one of the form sides of the competition, having won six straight matches. They proved they are the real deal when they headed to Adelaide last Thursday night, kicking clear with 10 goals to four in the second half to defeat the Crows by 34 points.
The win was built on relentless pressure. Collingwood recorded a forward-half pressure rating of 186 in the second half, forcing 16 forward-half turnovers and scoring 5.2 (32) from them. In comparison, Adelaide managed just 1.1 (7) from the same source.
Darcy Cameron was dominant in the ruck with 37 hitouts, 23 disposals and six clearances, leading to 137 AFL Fantasy points.
Nick Daicos was unstoppable with 39 disposals and a goal. He has had 35+ disposals in seven of his past nine matches and is around the $1.30 quote in most markets for the Brownlow Medal.
Dan McStay, Tim Membrey and Ed Allan all kicked two goals. Membrey has kicked 2+ goals in each of his past six matches, while McStay has achieved that feat in his past four.
Geelong Cats Form - Cats Respond
Geelong were on shaky ground a fortnight ago but have responded superbly, despite being undermanned, with impressive victories over St Kilda and Melbourne.
Last week, they set up their win over the Demons with a seven-goal second quarter before running out 20-point winners.
Bailey Smith, Tanner Bruhn and Tom Stewart all had 25 or more disposals, while Shannon Neale and Ollie Henry found their range up forward, combining for nine goals.
Smith has had 30+ disposals in eight of his past 10 matches, while Henry has booted six goals across his past two outings.
Geelong have played four matches at the MCG this season for a 2-2 record, including a 54-point victory over Collingwood back in Round 9.
Collingwood vs Geelong Cats Team News
Brayden Maynard copped a knock to his knee against Adelaide and will be assessed during the week for Collingwood.
Jeremy Howe made a successful return from injury with 15 disposals and a goal, while Lachie Schultz is edging closer to a return from an ankle injury.
Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield is managing a series of soft-tissue niggles and a decision on his availability will be made later in the week.
Sam De Koning was a late withdrawal against Melbourne due to illness and is expected to return. Jack Bowes found a stack of the ball in the VFL, while Jack Martin also pressed his case for a recall with four goals.