No matter where these teams rank on the ladder, there is always a good chance they will play a tight and tough tussle. The Cats are 7-0 and have set themselves up for later in the season, while Collingwood's inconsistency has troubled coach Nathan Buckley. The Pies' flimsy defence has been a concern and is one of the reasons why they find themselves at 4-3 and hanging just inside the eight. Collingwood will have its hands full trying to contain Geelong's zippy small forwards but the Magpies' midfield is dangerous and will likely pose some problems for the Cats.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday May 18, 7.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2011, Geelong 8.17 (65) d Collingwood 9.8 (62) at MCG
R24, 2011, Geelong 22.17 (149) d Collingwood 8.5 (53) at MCG
GF, 2011, Geelong 18.11 (119) d Collingwood 12.9 (91) at MCG
R8, 2012, Collingwood 14.12 (96) d Geelong 11.18 (84) at MCG
R16, 2012, Collingwood 17.8 (110) d Geelong 10.19 (79) at MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Collingwood defeated Geelong twice at the MCG in 2012. The Pies won by 12 points in round eight and 31 points in round 16.
2. The Magpies may have won the past two clashes but the Cats have been the better side in recent seasons, winning six of the past 10 contests.
3. In 2012, Collingwood conceded an average of 84 points per game. So far this year, the Magpies have allowed 101 points per per game.
4. Both teams have excelled in 2013 for marks inside 50. Geelong is ranked No. 1 in the competition and Collingwood is equal third.
5. Geelong's run and spread from the contest has been a big asset this season, with the Cats first in the AFL for uncontested possessions. Collingwood ranks sixth in the competition.
6. Geelong has the overall third-ranked player in the Official AFL Player Ratings in captain Joel Selwood. The Magpies have two players in the top 10 - Scott Pendlebury (No. 5) and Dane Swan (No. 8).
