Geelong claimed victory in Jeremy Cameron’s first showing in Cats colours, edging out Collingwood by two points in today’s scratch match at GMHBA Stadium.
The final score read - Geelong 11.8 (74) def Collingwood 11.6 (72) – and both sets of fans would be impressed with their side's first hit-outs of 2021.
Cameron kicked off proceedings with the opening goal of the game and Geelong dominated the first quarter, outscoring the Magpies by 18 points.
Collingwood managed to wrestle back momentum in the second, heading in to the main break down by five points, before the game went back and forth in the last half – culminating in a tight finish.
Geelong moved the footy cleanly from their defensive half with meticulous ball use, while Collingwood appeared to go quicker than last season, using the corridor more frequently.
Pies skipper Scott Pendlebury sat out the last quarter with ice applied to the back of his left leg, but reports from the club suggest the treatment was precautionary.
Several star Cats were rested for the second half, with Patrick Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron and Tom Stewart instead sent to complete running sessions throughout the third and fourth quarters.
Collingwood’s highly touted draft pick Oliver Henry impressed as he firms for a Round 1 debut, showing flashes of aerial ability and slotting his first goal in black and white.
Brandon Parfitt found a lot of the ball for the Cats, while Jeremy Howe made a strong return from injury down back for Collingwood.
For the winners, Joel Selwood was everywhere as he showed no signs of slowing down heading into his 15th season. While last year's breakout star for the Pies Josh Daicos spent more time on-ball and looks set to take another step forward in 2021.
Tom Hawkins spearheaded the Cats with three goals, while Jamie Elliott was Collingwood's best forward with three of his own.
Both clubs will now turn their attention to their AAMI Community Series games which begin next week.
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