COLLINGWOOD defender Ben Reid says his side let Geelong off the hook as the reigning premiers reclaimed top spot with a 36-point win over the Magpies at the MCG.

The Cats flexed their muscles after the Magpies had all the momentum in the third quarter, kicking the last eight goals of the match to end any hopes of a Collingwood victory.

Missed opportunities will leave the young defender and his teammates wondering what might have been, as the Magpies could only manage 2.12 in the second half - including five straight behinds early in the final quarter with the game still in the balance.

“If we took our opportunities, who knows, it could have been a different story,” he said.

Reid said the atmosphere and intensity of the game was reminiscent of a final, and believes the build up to the match and playing in front of a crowd of 88,115 will be beneficial for the younger players.

“It was good for the group to play in a finals-type atmosphere. There was a big crowd we knew that coming in - it was very disappointing to come out as the loser.”

The 21-year-old defender has been a revelation this year for the Pies, keeping veterans Simon Prestigiacomo and Tarkyn Lockyer out of the side.

And with youngsters Alan Toovey and Nathan Brown also holding down key position spots, the black and white defence looks strong for many years to come.

“We have a good back six at the moment; we are going to improve every week. It’s only round nine’ so we are only going to get better.”

Despite both Jonathan Brown and Brendan Fevola waiting for the young Magpies defence, Reid is confident his side can take it up to the Brisbane Lions next Saturday night at the Gabba.

“Next week we will come out all guns blazing and look to get back on the winners list,” he said.

Game analyser: watch your own match highlights