After pushing through back-to-back six day breaks, a 10 day gap between games is a thoroughly deserved luxury for the Cats. 

Following a big victory in Gather Round on Thursday night, Geelong get the opportunity to rest and recharge before returning to action on Easter Monday against Hawthorn. 

For Mark O'Connor it was a chance to sit back and watch fellow Irishman, Rory McIlroy break his major drought in a thrilling finish to the US Masters. 

O'Connor noted that it was great to relax for a few days, but attention quickly turned back to football and the upcoming clash with the Hawks. 

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Mark O'Connor of the Cats is seen ahead o the round three AFL match between Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats at The Gabba, on March 29, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos)

"We had the Masters over the weekend which was nice," O'Connor told K rock's Tom, Lingy and Loggy. 

"It was a fantastic watch, I think everyone was on the edge of their seat. Seeing his reaction was pretty special for anyone, that was a brilliant watch. 

"Being a 10 day break, we had a couple of six day breaks back to back so switching off is really good for a couple of days.

"Now we are back into the flow of things, back into training. It is not too hard when the Hawks are going so well and it is such a big occasion, so we just try to stay switched on during this period." 

O'Connor has quietly made a very solid start to the 2025 season, averaging over 14 disposals and five marks per game, while also having a big impact when he came on as the substitute against Melbourne. 

Awaiting the Cats in round six is the traditional Easter Monday blockbuster, set to take on Hawthorn at the MCG

With nine career appearances against the Hawks to this point, O'Connor is certainly familiar with the rivalry and the intense build up that comes with a Geelong and Hawthorn match. 

"Yeah you do sense it for sure, there is always a big build up to the game," O'Connor said. 

"I know Hawthorn are going really well now, but even at times in the past when either team hasn't been going too well, they have always been close games. It always feels like a close game, no matter how either side is going.

"That probably adds to the occasion as well, we are certainly looking forward to hopefully a big Cats contingent going up and supporting us.

"Especially after the Adelaide trip where the fans weren't too friendly, so we are really looking forward to that." 

The Cats play their next three games at the MCG with 80,000+ expected for their home game against the Hawks on Easter Monday! 

The best way to secure your seat is with a Melbourne Flexi Membership and attend any Cats Melbourne with a bundle of General Admission tickets, with two-ticket packages for just $49. Head to membership.geelongcats.com.au today!