A SEVEN-goal opening quarter blitz enabled Collingwood to upset Geelong at the MCG and keep its slim finals hopes alive.
Although the disappointing Cats responded, the 44-point quarter-time margin accurately reflected the Magpies early domination.
For the second week in succession, the Magpies kept the opposition goalless in an opening term (the first time they have done that since rounds 17 and 18 in 1960), beating the Cats with their speed and outside run.
Jesse White was a major factor in the early burst, kicking two goals for the quarter and establishing a presence in the Collingwood forward line
The Cats rallied to draw within eight points with 14 minutes remaining in the game, but their hopes of a miraculous victory were snuffed out when the Magpies went coast-to-coast from a Jeremy Howe kick-in to a Brodie Grundy goal.
It was the Magpies third kick-in goal for the match.
Collingwood eventually ran out winners 16.8 (104) to 10.14 (74).
Collingwood put fierce pressure on in the opening quarter with 11 more tackles and 26 more disposals than Geelong.
It won the battle outside the contest with 23 more uncontested possessions and 12 extra handballs received.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said the Magpies were rapt with their second brilliant start in succession.
"When the game's on the line you've got to be able to execute. Your best laid plans are all on the table at the beginning so that was a good response," Buckley said.
The Cats regrouped after quarter-time but when they missed three consecutive set shots just before half-time – with Jimmy Bartel, Patrick Dangerfield and Daniel Menzel the culprits – it seemed as though it was going to be Collingwood's day.
Geelong kept coming, lifting its intensity inside the contest, but it could not convert its chances, making many errors inside 50 and seeming to blow gilt edged chances to kick goals.
When it did look threatening and capable of creating some momentum, the Magpies were able to find an answer, with Scott Pendlebury, who kicked three goals, important as a steadying influence particularly in the third quarter.
Buckley said it was pleasing to see the Magpies respond to pressure from the opposition.
"We needed to stay aggressive and keep attacking and we were able to do that which was a good sign," he said.
Magpies recruit Jeremy Howe was excellent in defence in his best game since joining the club from Melbourne, and Steele Sidebottom controlled the outside of the contest in his 150th.
Young Magpies ruckman Brodie Grundy was instrumental in helping Collingwood in the centre clearances and had a big influence on the match, with the Cats' much-vaunted ruck duo of Rhys Stanley and Zac Smith having a down day.
Jimmy Bartel was Geelong's best player, intercepting many Magpie attacks, but too little was left to too few and, with Collingwood's Levi Greenwood quelling Joel Selwood's influence, a spark was missing.
Cats coach Chris Scott said too many players had poor days despite being in good form going into the game.
"We were beaten around the contest. They just looked a bit cleaner than us and made the most of our chances," Scott said.
It was a strong response from Collingwood, which has now won five of its past seven games against Geelong, while the Cats looked flat after two big wins against Adelaide and West Coast.
MEDICAL ROOM
Collingwood: Ben Sinclair was ruled out with concussion after receiving a slight knock at training on Thursday and the Magpies decided not to risk him, but he may be available against the Western Bulldogs.
Geelong: Tom Lonergan was a late withdrawal after being concussed a week earlier against Adelaide. He was missed and should return against Carlton.
NEXT UP
Collingwood will see if they can keep the momentum going against a dangerous opponent in the Western Bulldogs. It lost both games to the Bulldogs last season but had a good record against them before that. Geelong will want to get back on track against Carlton at Etihad Stadium. The Cats have not lost to the Blues since round five, 2010, having won the past seven encounters between the two teams.
COLLINGWOOD 7.5 9.5 11.7 16.8 (104)
GEELONG 0.3 3.7 6.10 11.14 (80)
GOALS
Collingwood: Pendlebury 3, Fasolo 2, White 2, Cox 2, Grundy 2, Treloar, Crisp, Crocker, Moore, De Goey
Geelong: Hawkins 4, Motlop, Menzel, Duncan, Lang, Caddy, Stanley, Smith
BEST
Collingwood: Sidebottom, Pendlebury, Howe, Treloar, Adams, Grundy, Greenwood
Geelong: Bartel, Enright, Duncan, Lang, Blicavs, Caddy
INJURIES
Collingwood: Nil
Geelong: Tom Lonergan (concussion) replaced in selected side by Tom Ruggles
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Dalgleish, Ryan, Jeffery
Official crowd: 59,864 at the MCG
