Geelong returns to GMHBA Stadium for their second home game of the season in Week 5, preparing to take on Hawthorn in a Thursday night blockbuster.
The Cats are carrying plenty of momentum after securing their first win of the year last Saturday, taking down Gold Coast in a 69-point win at People First Stadium.
A big challenge awaits Geelong on Thursday, with Hawthorn starting the season in hot form recording three wins from their opening four games.
The Hawks were the highest scoring team in the competition across the opening month of the season, setting up an enticing clash on Thursday night.
2024 Ladder
Geelong: 12th (1-2-1)
Hawthorn: 5th (3-1)
Points For
Geelong – 177
Hawthorn - 245
Points Against
Geelong – 134
Hawthorn - 129
Stopping Hawthorn’s High-Octane Offense
Hawthorn have been the highest scoring team in the competition across their first four matches, averaging over 60 points per game and holding a percentage of 189.9 on the ladder.
This scoring prowess has been led by Greta Bodey (8 goals) and Aine McDonagh (7 goals), who both sit in the competition’s top ten goalkickers this season.
Geelong’s was strong defensively against Gold Coast in Week 4 conceding just 27 points for the game, but will need to continue that trend through to their clash with the Hawks.
Restricting Uncontested Possessions
The Hawks game style sees them play a fast brand of footy, moving the ball to the outside and accumulating large numbers of uncontested possessions.
Across the opening four weeks Hawthorn have won the uncontested possession battle on three occasions, including their clash with St Kilda (+91), Collingwood (+30) and Carlton (+19).
Their one loss this season came against Adelaide in Week 3, with the Crows able to find more uncontested possessions (+18) on route to a 26-point win.
Finding Efficiency Forward of the Football
Geelong were very effective in their forward half against Gold Coast, piling on 96 points in their best performance of the year so far.
The Hawks however are very strong down back, with four players ranked inside the competition’s top 30 for intercept possessions across the opening month of the season.
