GEELONG coach Chris Scott says the rate of improvement in emerging stars Mitch Duncan and Mark Blicavs can determine how far the Cats can go in 2015. 

Geelong stunned Collingwood with a seven-goal opening term to set up its 41-point win on Friday night, with Duncan and Blicavs among the stars.

Duncan collected a career-high 38 disposals (18 contested) as the most brilliant and consistent midfielder on the night, while Blicavs showed his flexibility with 27 disposals as he was used across a number of roles, including being pitted against Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury.

"There are a lot of teams that have been building for a long period of time. We've got a pretty good idea who the very best teams are, and I have not much idea after that," Scott said after the win, the Cats' third of the season.

"The rate at which the younger developing players in each team progresses is going to have a huge impact in how high those teams finish on the ladder.

"It's a good sign for us, but I'm not getting carried away because a lot of people were happy to tell me a couple of weeks ago that it looked ugly."

Duncan backed up his best afield performance against Richmond last week with another standout game. He started the season being used in a variety of roles, and Scott said the coaching group was to blame for his slower beginning to the year.

"It's well understood by the footy world that we have a lot of players who are towards the end of their career and a bit of gap to our emerging players," Scott said.

"Mitch is one of the ones we've got high hopes for, but he's one of a group. I take responsibility for maybe some of his form early in the season. We didn't play him in his best position I don't think, but we're learning as well."

Despite holding a 60-point lead late in the second term, the Cats allowed the Magpies to get back within four goals in the final quarter.

While having some nerves in the Geelong coaching box as Collingwood edged closer, Scott was pleased with what he saw from his younger players executing a game plan they are still learning.

He praised first-year player Cory Gregson, who kicked three goals from 18 disposals, for adding "something a little bit different" to the club's forward line in the early part of this year.

Josh Cowan's hamstring injury in his first game since 2011 was a sour point for the Cats, while they will be sweating on the fitness of Joel Selwood, who played out the game with a swollen right hand.

Scott said the Cats are unsure if the captain will miss any games with the concern.

"The medical staff say we've got a few issues with players but they don't go into detail," he said.

"I'm hoping it's a good sign that he played on and played very well, but we're talking about Joel Selwood, so he can play through a little bit. We'll have to wait and see on that one."

Forward Mitch Clark appeared emotional in the rooms after the win and did not sing the club song with the team, but Scott said he was unaware of any issue with the 27-year-old, who has endured a well-publicised battle with depression.