Geelong again emphasised its AFL finals credentials when it beat Collingwood by 29 points in a pulsating game at Telstra Dome in Melbourne.

The 12.22 (94) to 9.11 (65) result also snuffed out the Magpies' slim finals hopes, leaving them three games out of the top eight on 5-10.

Geelong improved to 9-6 and its ability to withstand the pressure bodes well for September.

Cats key defender Matthew Scarlett was best afield after thrashing Anthony Rocca, while Tom Harley also restricted Chris Tarrant to two goals.

Geelong small forward Gary Ablett had a night of extremes - his ball-handling was flawless, but his goalkicking was way off and he finished with 1.6.

That tally included hitting the post three times in the second term.

After three close quarters the Cats smashed Collingwood in the last quarter with five goals to two.

The Cats looked ready to take control in the third term, but could only manage 2.5 to lead by five points at the last change.

But Collingwood had rotten luck midway through the quarter when captain Nathan Buckley kicked a long behind.

It appeared Cat defender Josh Hunt was over the line on the goalsquare when he kicked out, meaning the ball should have come back for a field bounce.

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