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Where and when: MCG, Thursday, April 9, 7.40pm
Head to head: Geelong 89 wins, Collingwood 124 wins, one draw
Last time: Collingwood 20.14 (134) d Geelong 7.6 (48), round nine, 2008 at the MCG

MISSING IN ACTION
Dale Thomas (illness) – test
Kevin Dyas (hamstring) – 1-2 weeks
Sean Rusling (shoulder) – 1-2 weeks

SUMMARY
Collingwood will have fond memories of taking on Geelong under lights at the ‘G. Few gave them much hope in round nine last year, but their constant harassment and ferocious tackling saw them steamroll the Cats. They have struggled to show that intent in their opening two matches, but did find their feet after half time against Melbourne last week. With some confidence restored, they’ll again adopt the nothing-to-lose approach against the team most believe is still the one to beat this season. And that attitude can be as dangerous as the personnel fielded for a match.

Some critics have seemed a little underwhelmed by Geelong's form so far. It hasn't been faultless. But two from two is what the Cats had hoped for in the early stages of their quest for another September tilt. They haven’t yet found their best footy and injuries are also playing their part. However, they have looked good in patches. Perhaps it came in the NAB Cup decider – against Collingwood. They will hope the occasion of a Thursday night game, in front of a big crowd, will bring out their best again.

QUESTION MARKS
Josh Fraser has been in terrific form in the opening two weeks. With Brad Ottens missing, can the experienced Magpie exploit Geelong’s less-experienced ruck stocks?

Dayne Beams was outstanding in his debut against Melbourne. On Thursday he’ll get the chance against some of the competition’s premier midfielders – but who will the coach give him the job on in his second AFL match?

Joel Selwood and Gary Ablett wreaked havoc against Collingwood in the NAB Cup grand final. What plans does Collingwood's coaching staff have in place to stop them this time?

WHAT MICK MALTHOUSE SAID
"You can’t ignore [the NAB Cup grand final]. The fact is we got thumped.

"We believe that we under-performed [that night]. The primary reason of why they won is because they’re so good.

"Their side won’t change dramatically, ours won’t change dramatically but we just have to be better."

VFL
Where and when: Visy Park, Saturday, April 11, 2pm

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.