The Hawks are anticipating another ferocious clash against the Cats, as they prepare themselves for one of the biggest games to hit the season at the MCG on Easter Monday.
The Hawks instrumental goal kicker, Jack Gunston, agrees that both teams are lifted by the intense rivalry that lies between the two clubs, which is why their battles always make for a thriller match-up.
"I think both teams do (get themselves up to play each other)," Gunston told www.hawthornfc.com.au
"It's always a close encounter – I think it's been close since the '08 Grand Final.
"I think it's built a great rivalry over the years that no one wants to walk off the field as a loser.
"It's a fierce contest and one that both teams look forward to.
"You go out there expecting another good battle for four quarters and you've really got to bring your best game possible.
"We're slowly building towards that, we haven't been great early this year and on the weekend (against the Suns) we were a lot better."
Going into Monday’s game, Hawthorn’s 2013 best and fairest taker, Josh Gibson, concedes the Cats 11 victories before last year’s Preliminary Final are a constant reminder of what the Cats can do when the heat hits.
“They've always been tough games, but in the same instance we haven't performed that well, apart from the final last year," Gibson told www.hawthornfc.com.au
However, Gibson says the Hawks are eager for Monday’s blockbuster contest, as the Cats always push them to their limits.
"We really look forward to playing them and we realise that we have to start performing better than we have in the last 10 or so if we want to get the ledger back in our favour.
"(The feeling) is different just from the fact that we won, but I don't think we can be comfortable just thinking we've beaten them once.
"They're such a good side that if we go out there and think it's just going to happen again like that, we'll get beaten and beaten well.
"We're going in hungry and realise we really need to lift our game and play our top footy to beat them once again."
