Down by 20 points at quarter-time on the back of a fierce Collingwood ambush, the Cats made Magpie Leigh Brown regret missing a sitter early in the second quarter by slamming on the next eight goals.

Although the Magpies rallied in the third term, the Cats steadied and won their third successive match, 18.14 (122) to 13.17 (95).

Paul Chapman orchestrated the second-quarter surge and kicked four goals in a magnificent effort, Steve Johnson booted three and had a hand in four others and Gary Ablett finished with 37 disposals.