The traditional Easter Monday clash against Hawthorn is usually a memorable occasion, but the 2024 version might take the cake as the wildest edition yet.
Geelong were celebrating a significant milestone for a champion of the game, with Tom Hawkins becoming just the second Cat in Club history to play 350 games.
It was a remarkable achievement that symbolised his 18 seasons at the top level, moving within five games of Geelong's games record which was held at the time by Joel Selwood.
The clash also marked Hawkins 28th and final game against Hawthorn, the team he faced the most times across his sensational career.
To celebrate the occasion the Tomahawk put together yet another strong performance, picking up 12 disposals and booting an equal game high four goals in wet conditions at the MCG.
If the milestone and the clash between two traditional rivals did not create enough drama, mother nature had one more trick up the sleeve on Easter Monday.
With players in position and ready to commence the final quarter, dangerous weather closed in and lightening filled the skies around Yarra Park.
As a result, all players were sent back to their rooms for over 40 minutes and play was suspended until the conditions improved.
It was a remarkable scene unlike any other, but the driving rain did not dampen the Cats day as they re-emerged from the rooms and took control of the game.
A six goal third quarter helped the Cats carry a healthy lead into the final term, before another three goals after the weather delay saw Geelong secure a 36-point win to start the season with three consecutive victories.
Hawkins and Ollie Henry led the way with four goals each, the Cats finding nine different goal-kickers including ruckman Toby Conway, who booted the first major of his AFL career.
Tanner Bruhn dominated through the middle finishing with 27 disposals and nine clearances, while Mitch Duncan (26 disposals, one goal) and Tom Stewart's (24 disposals, eight marks) experience shone through in difficult conditions.
It was then Duncan and Jeremy Cameron who received the unenviable task of chairing Hawkins off, capping off his milestone game with a strong result.
