One of the greatest rivalries in the modern game is set to be reignited in Round Six, when Geelong head to the MCG to do battle with Hawthorn on Easter Monday.
It is a match-up that has produced some of the most iconic games in recent history, with both teams also making a strong start to the 2025 season.
The Cats are coming off an incredible Gather Round win, defeating the Crows by 19 points at Adelaide Oval last Thursday to record their third victory of the year.
Hawthorn were soundly beaten by Port Adelaide on Sunday, but still remain in fifth position on the ladder after winning their first four matches in 2025.
Take a glance ahead to an exciting Easter Monday clash that awaits at the MCG.
KEY DETAILS
2025 AFL Season - Round Six
Geelong Cats v Hawthorn
MCG, Melbourne
Monday 21st April, 3.20pm (AEST)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Geelong: Jeremy Cameron
The Cats superstar forward had a bit of a quiet start to 2025 by his lofty standards, but that changed in a hurry on Thursday night with a brilliant display against Adelaide.
Cameron booted four goals, three coming in the last quarter, and collected 15 disposals to help lead Geelong to an important victory.
Across 13 career appearances against Hawthorn, the spearhead holds a strong record booting 35 goals, including 13 majors in his last three matches against the Hawks.
Hawthorn: Jai Newcombe
In the absence of Will Day, Newcombe's importance to the Hawthorn team has increased tenfold, as the prime mover through the midfield.
Despite the Gather Round result, Newcombe will still impressive collecting 29 disposals, eight clearances and one goal.
Winning the midfield battle will be important on Easter Monday, and nullifying Newcombe's impact will be important for Geelong.
RECENT HISTORY
Geelong have had the better of this battle in recent times, winning five of the last six clashes with Hawthorn by an average of 47 points dating back to 2020.
The Cats won both match-ups in 2024, with their last loss to the Hawks coming early in the 2022 season.
Extending that history back to 2016, Geelong have won 10 of their last 14 matches against Hawthorn, which follows on from the famous streak of 11 consecutive wins between 2009 and 2013.
| SEASON | HOME | AWAY | GROUND |
| 2024 | Geelong 16.14 (110) | Hawthorn 9.5 (59) | GMHBA Stadium |
| 2024 | Hawthorn 10.10 (70) | Geelong 17.4 (106) | MCG |
| 2023 | Geelong 19.13 (127) | Hawthorn 6.9 (45) | MCG |
| 2022 | Hawthorn 14.8 (92) | Geelong 11.14 (80) | MCG |
| 2021 | Geelong 10.9 (69) | Hawthorn 9.10 (64) | MCG |
| 2020 | Geelong 17.6 (108) | Hawthorn 7.5 (47) | GMHBA Stadium |
VENUE HISTORY - MCG
Geelong featured at the MCG quite frequently last year, playing seven matches at the venue across the 2024 season.
While there were plenty of positive results the Cats finished with four wins from those seven games, their record sitting at six wins and seven losses since the beginning of 2023.
One impressive statistic is Geelong's scoring power at the venue, finishing with 100 points or more on seven occasions over the past two years.
| SEASON | HOME | AWAY |
| 2024 - Preliminary Final | Geelong 12.13 (85) | Brisbane 14.11 (95) |
| 2024 - Round 18 | Collingwood 10.11 (71) | Geelong 13.13 (91) |
| 2024 - Round 16 | Geelong 16.9 (105) | Essendon 9.6 (60) |
| 2024 - Round 15 | Carlton 21.12 (138) | Geelong 11.9 (75) |
| 2024 - Round 8 | Melbourne 10.14 (74) | Geelong 9.12 (66) |
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale for Geelong's round six clash with Hawthorn, secure your seat through Ticketek.
Easter Monday will be a home game for Geelong at the MCG, the best way to see the game is through a Cats 2025 Membership.
Heading to Geelong’s next three games at the MCG? Purchase a Flexi 6 Membership today and attend games solo or treat your mates to a match with a bundle of 6 tickets for Victorian Geelong Cats home or away games.
Cats March to the 'G
The march to the 'G is back in round six, with fans encouraged to march with the Marching Band from Federation Square to the MCG.
Geelong supporters can meet at Federation Square at 1.30pm ahead of a 1.45pm departure, with the procession set to arrive at the MCG by 2.00pm.
WHERE TO WATCH
If you can not make it to the MCG next Monday, Channel 7 will be broadcasting the game live and free from 3.00pm AEST ahead of the opening bounce at 3.20pm.
The match will also be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 3.00pm.
Cats fans looking to catch all the action at home this year can secure a 2025 Digital Plus Membership, which includes a 12 month subscription to Kayo Premium. Follow the link below for more details.
Cats Membership: 2025 Digital Plus
Broadcast Details: 2025 AFL Broadcast Guide
