Saturday night at the G brings us a match with huge match of the round potential.

The Pies host Geelong for round 9 of the AFL season, two old rivals – only one winner (unless your Collingwood and Hawthorn last week).

Geelong enter this match looking to buck the trend of failures away from Kardinia Park in 2026.

The Cats improved to 4-0 at home this season via last Saturday’s 135-86 victory over North Melbourne.

That clinical performance was led by Max Holmes, who racked up 29 disposals for 802 metres gained and two goals in his best match this year.

Shaun Mannagh helped too with a four-goal-haul.

Despite their local dominance, Geelong holds a shaky 1-3 record at all other venues, with their single away win coming against lowly West Coast during Gather Round.

It’s a similar story for Collingwood, who have been hard to beat in their own backyard.

The Magpies have lost just once from six matches in Melbourne this season. They most recently played out a heart-stopping 93-93 draw with Hawthorn following a kick after the siren last Thursday.

This match promises to be another nail-biter, especially considering the history between these two behemoth clubs.

The latest meeting between these clubs was decided in the absolute dying seconds, with Jack Crisp missing a shot to hand Geelong a 90-87 victory in Round 8 of last season.

Bailey Smith was the architect of that win, totalling 34 disposals for 715 metres gained and a goal. With both teams fighting to stay at the pointy end of the ladder, the stakes couldn't be higher at the home of football.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Geelong Cats vs Collingwood Round 9 prediction and preview below.

Geelong Cats vs Collingwood Magpies Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

This shapes as a fascinating contest between two teams with a point to prove. Geelong had a real clash on its hands with the emerging Roos before upshifting into fifth gear and kicking nine goals in a frantic last 30 minutes.

While Shannon Neale, Max Holmes, and Shaun Mannagh all did damage, Collingwood’s defensive system, anchored by Darcy Moore, will likely make life far more difficult.

However, Jeremy Cameron’s record against the Magpies is nothing short of sensational, having booted 61 goals from 17 games against them.

Max Holmes also continues to dominate in a high-half-back role that opposition teams are yet to figure out.

The spotlight will be firmly on the Oisin Mullin vs. Nick Daicos matchup; if Mullin can nullify the Pies' golden boy, the Cats are in the box seat.

We think Geelong’s late-game scoring power will eventually overcome the Magpies' defensive grit in a tight one.

Head-to-head prediction: Geelong Cats by 14 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Jeremy Cameron is the obvious choice to get the Cats underway at the MCG. He’s been kicking goals at will in the last few rounds after finding his groove against the Dogs with a ridiculous 10 goal performance in Round 6.

His historical dominance over Collingwood's backline is well-documented and we all know he loves a night out at the MCG.

Expect Geelong to look for Jezza early and often as they look to silence the Magpies parochial fans.

Betting tip: Jeremy Cameron.

Most Disposals Prediction

It’s another classic matchup, Bazlenka vs the AFL’s favourite son Nick Daicos.

The ever controversial Bailey Smith has hit a rich vein of form and is in the headlines for all the right reasons in 2026.

He’s consistently racking up massive numbers since returning to the midfield.

After an influential 34-disposal performance in this corresponding fixture last year, we expect Bazlenka to be the primary distributor for the Cats once again.

Betting tip: Bailey Smith.

Odds are subject to change.*

Geelong Cats vs Collingwood Predicted Teams

Geelong Cats Predicted Team List

FB: Mark O'Connor, Connor O'Sullivan, Tom Stewart

HB: Oisin Mullin, Zach Guthrie, Jake Kolodjashnij

C: Jack Bowes, Bailey Smith, Oliver Dempsey

HF: Jeremy Cameron, Shaun Mannagh, Brad Close

F: Patrick Dangerfield, Shannon Neale, Jack Martin

Foll: Rhys Stanley, Tom Atkins, Max Holmes

I/C: Lawson Humphries, Sam De Koning, Tanner Bruhn, Oliver Henry

Collingwood Magpies Predicted Team List

FB: Jeremy Howe, Darcy Moore, Billy Frampton

HB: Dan Houston, Josh Daicos, Isaac Quaynor

C: Roan Steele, Ned Long, Patrick Lipinski

HF: Lachie Schultz, Beau McCreery, Steele Sidebottom

F: Daniel McStay, Jamie Elliott, Jack Buller

Foll: Oscar Steene, Scott Pendlebury, Nick Daicos

I/C: Jordan De Goey, Brayden Maynard, James Worpel, Jack Crisp, Angus Anderson

Geelong Cats vs Collingwood Magpies Match Details

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:35pm AEST.

Location: MCG, Melbourne.

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.