Collingwood and Geelong have a rich history dating all the way back to 1897, with that rivalry set to be renewed when the two clubs do battle once again on Friday night.
The clash will mark the 242nd meeting between the two clubs, with Collingwood the team Geelong has faced the most in V/AFL history.
The rivalry has been an enticing one in recent years, with four of the last five clashes decided by 13 points or less.
Cats coach Chris Scott spoke to the media, mentioning that the club is looking forward to the task awaiting on Friday night, taking on the reigning premiers under the bright lights at the MCG.
“It is exciting, it is always exciting,” Scott said.
“Friday night footy at the MCG against any opposition is exciting, but we know they always draw a big crowd.
“We are really hopeful that Cats fans feel we are building momentum in our season, and there will be a bit of an extra effort to get up to the MCG to counteract the Collingwood army.
“We are aiming to put on a good show, we think we are coming into some good form but obviously there is still quite a bit to improve on.
“Picking the team is challenging, we have got some good problems at the moment.”
The Cats have been buoyed by some strong additions over the past fortnight, most notably Lawson Humphries and Shaun Mannagh who have both come into the line-up and performed strongly.
Humphries has averaged 16 disposals and nearly 300 metres gained across his first two matches, while Mannagh collected 20 disposals and 14 tackles on his return against Hawthorn.
Scott believes the strong VFL form has added valuable depth the Cats list, with ready made players prepared to step up to the top level when they are needed.
“We have had some good performances in the VFL,” Scott said.
“I think Lawson Humphries and Shaun Mannagh are examples of what I was trying to explain last week, around keeping an open mind.
“We have never been that type of team that wants to get to their best 22 and then leave it there, we believe in cohesion but you can't have such a closed mind.
“You need to have a look at someone a bit different like what Lawson can bring to our back half, and what Shaun brings to our forward half.
“They both took their chances and they will keep playing, but we have very few players who are a complete lock.”
