Collingwood fall short of a comeback victory against Geelong at GHMBA Stadium on Friday afternoon. 

In the first hitout against proper opposition, a squad of 26 took on the Cats and defender Darcy Moore was pleased with the performance after a slow start in the first term.

"We just want the game to look the way we want to play and we want to recognise ourselves in the way we play, so we definitely did that after quarter time," Moore said.

"The first quarter we came out snoozing... after quarter time we really put a stamp on the game and played the style we've been training for three months was a really pleasing part of it."

Watch the full post-match interview below.

Full match summary: 

Brody Mihocek provided a marking presence up the ground, kicking an early goal after the Cats got off to a fast start. Geelong's Mark Blicavs was Mihocek's opponent for most of the afternoon.

Tyler and Callum Brown were dynamic as a midfield duo throughout the game. Up against the star studded Geelong midfield, it was impressive to the Brown brothers holding their own with some of the competition's best.

With opportunities in the midfield for 2021, Brayden Sier looks to be a lock for round one. A competitive beast, Sier’s attack on the ball is a real stand-out as he looks to improve on a injury interrupted 2020. 

QT: Geelong 4.1.25 Collingwood 1.1.7

It was an inspired second quarter from Collingwood, led by captain Scott Pendlebury. His presence around stoppages under the brilliance of Brodie Grundy helped us swing momentum of the match. 

There was a noticeable increase in pressure from the Pies, controlling field position for a large portion of the quarter and successfully converting in front of goal.

Grundy was dominant all day, demonstrating his ability to compete for the ball on the ground and not just in the air. His field kicking a real highlight, hitting targets on the run in midfielder-like fashion. 

Will Hoskin-Elliott was dangerous, booting two of his three goals in the quarter and continues to provide a presence up forward alongside a young forward line.

HT: Geelong 5.2.32 Collingwood 4.3.27

Mason Cox, Trent Bianco, Levi Greenwood and Nathan Murphy joined the team for the second half.

Trent Bianco was impressive in the game time he got during the second half. He took a strong overhead mark under pressure and utilised his acceleration around the contest.

One of the biggest take-aways from the match was the ability of draftee Oliver Henry. After his first touch was a one-handed mark on the wing, Henry didn’t slow down. When he took a mark 20 metres out on a slight angle running back with the flight, Geelong defender (and older brother Jack), had to watch while the ball sailed through the big sticks. 

The Pies hit the front for the first time of the game thanks to Jamie Elliott’s second goal of the game. Finishing with three for the match, Elliott’s forward craft combined with his ability to run through the midfield will be an asset for Collingwood in 2021. 

3QT: Geelong 8.6.54 Collingwood 7.5.47

Trey Ruscoe elevated his game in the final quarter. Slotting two goals in the term, his smarts around forward stoppages and ability to find space where there isn’t much was particularly impressive. 

John Noble looks to be in fine form leading into this season. His run off half-back created a lot of opportunities going forward. There were several passages of play where Noble’s penetrating kicks were a real issue for the Cats. 

With two minutes on the clock Jamie Elliot’s third goal provided hope for the Pies, while Mason Cox fired another soon after to trail by 1-point.

The Cats were able to hold on at their home deck. The Magpies now look towards Richmond in the Community Series at Marvel Stadium on 5 March. 

A full match replay will be available as soon as possible.

FT: Geelong 11.8.74 Collingwood 11.6.72

Goals: Elliott 3, Ruscoe 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Cox, T Brown, Mihocek, Henry 
Best: Grundy, Elliott, Moore, Sier, Pendlebury