Last time we met

Geelong 104 d Collingwood 91 (Round 3, 2022)

The Cats conceded nine goals in the third term before booting the final seven goals of the game to win by 13 points. Both sides dominated large parts of the contest. Nick Daicos kicked his first AFL goal from deep on the boundary and was among Collingwood's best, while Jamie Elliott (26 disposals, two goals), Taylor Adams (30, 10 score involvements), Jack Crisp (24, four intercepts) and Isaac Quaynor (21, 12 intercepts) were standouts for the Pies.

Marquee matchups

Darcy Moore v Tom Hawkins

Moore will likely be tasked with containing Hawkins, who has consistently produced career best performances this season and was named All Australian captain last week. Moore was a defensive pillar and averaged seven spoils and three intercept marks a game this year, while Hawkins averaged six marks and three goals.

Taylor Adams v Joel Selwood

Adams is set to return from an adductor injury that sidelined him in round 20 and his brand of contested footy will be pivotal against a potent Cats midfield. He averaged five clearances and 10 contested possessions during the regular season. The Geelong captain averaged five clearances and nine contested possessions a game.

Look out for

The last time Collingwood met Geelong in a Qualifying Final was in 2019, when the fourth placed Pies never looked like losing against the first placed Cats. Collingwood established a three-goal lead early and Geelong only worked back into the game late. Collingwood will put themselves in a position to win if they can jump the Cats early and keep the game close.