A spirited performance from the VFL Cats has fallen just short on Saturday night, pushing a highly fancied Collingwood side right to the final siren but ultimately finishing in a 8.12 (60) to 11.9 (75) loss at Mission Whitten Oval.

After a slow start in the opening term, Geelong made their presence felt with a barnstorming second quarter to take a 10 point lead into half time, but were unable to continue their momentum after the main break as Collingwood booted five unanswered goals to flip the script. 

One exciting takeaway for Cats fans was the performance of young ruckman, Toby Conway who pulled on the hoops for the first time in 2025 and had a profound impact around stoppages. Conway entered the game in the second quarter and despite playing restricted minutes, was able to accumulate 10 disposals, five clearances and 26 hit-outs. 

Ted Clohesy was unstoppable through the middle as he continued his impressive run of form amassing 30 disposals, seven tackles and seven clearances, while Jed Bews finished with an impressive 29 disposals and seven intercept possessions in a solid defensive display. 

Geelong found opportunities hard to come by early as they were held goalless in the opening quarter, Collingwood kicking three goals to leave the Cats 16 points adrift at the first break. 

Patrick Kelly was sensational in the first term laying four tackles to go with his 11 disposals, while up field the ball continued to gravitate towards Patrick Retschko who tallied nine disposals while producing plenty of run-and-carry up the wing.

Geelong wrestled the momentum back in the second term, starting with Lenny Hoffman who provided a spark with his first goal in the Hoops, before the Cats piled on another four majors to build a 10 point lead at half time. 

Toby Conway was a welcome addition as he entered the game in the second quarter, winning eight hit-outs and having plenty of impact around stoppages in his first appearance for the Cats in 2025. 

Jhye Clark stood out for the Cats with 18 first half disposals and three clearances, contributing to his team’s success as Geelong lead most major statistical categories. 

As for Geelong’s defensive efforts, Marcus Herbert showcased his trademark composure with ball in hand collecting a solid 13 disposals and six intercept possessions to help slow down the Pies offense. 

The Cats extended their lead early in the third term through Tobyn Murray who snapped a quick goal, but then momentum changed hands once again as Collingwood booted five unanswered goals to leave Geelong 14 points behind at three quarter time.

Jed Bews was a level head across half back for the Cats under some intense pressure, collecting 20 disposals at over 80% efficiency by the final break to help keep Geelong within striking distance. 

With the game up for grabs, Ollie Henry did everything he could to will his team over the line clunking some big contested marks and kicking two goals, but Collingwood had all the answers when it mattered as Geelong slipped to a 15 point defeat on Saturday night. 

The loss to Collingwood means that Geelong will finish Round 17 at least six points outside of the Finals race, now needing to win all three of their remaining games in the home and away season while relying on other results to secure a September berth. 

The VFL Cats’ attention will quickly turn to next week, as they head up the highway to take on North Melbourne next Sunday at Arden Street Oval.

2025 VFL Season – Round 17

GEELONG CATS     0.3     5.8      6.9      8.12    (60) 
COLLINGWOOD      3.1     4.4      9.5      11.9    (75)
 
GOALS
Geelong Cats: Matofai-Forbes, Henry 2, Pollock, Polkinghorne, Murray, Hofmann 1
Collingwood: Steele 4, Johnson, Hude 2, Mahoney, Howes, Algeri 1

DISPOSALS
Geelong Cats: Clohesy, Clark 30, Bews 29, Retschko 23, Kelly, Ivisic 20
Collingwood: Grey 36, DeMattia 27, Parker, Mahoney 21, Steene 20

CLEARANCES
Geelong Cats: Clohesy 7, Conway, Clark 5, Edwards 4
Collingwood: DeMattia 10, Steene, Grey 8, Algeri 6

@ Mission Whitten Oval, Melbourne