Veteran defender Tom Lonergan says Geelong’s rivalry with Hawthorn stands out above the rest as the highlight of his 200-game career.

Lonergan was afforded the opportunity to reflect as he celebrated his double century milestone with an 85-point win over Brisbane at the Gabba last weekend.

The 2011 premiership player joined radio RSN Racing & Sport on Monday morning and said it’s those big games against the Hawks – the Cats’ opponent this week – that have been most enjoyable.

“The games we played against Hawthorn during that period where there were some big matchups,” Lonergan said.

“I always enjoyed those Easter Monday games. I loved going in and playing on Buddy [Franklin] and Harry [Taylor] had Roughy [Jarryd Roughead].”

“There was obviously that added incentive from the ’08 granny; the whole Kennett’s Curse and all that sort of thing. It was just a really enjoyable time. Big games of footy. Two big rivals.”

“That’s probably been one of the highlights of my career.”

The Cats easily accounted for Hawthorn by fourteen goals in round four, but both sides have improved since that last meeting. 

The Hawks have won two of their past three games and drew with Greater Western Sydney in Tasmania last week to sit two games out of the eight, while Geelong would be happy with it’s past month as it consolidates its position inside the top four.

Lonergan says hitting form at the right time is crucial. 

“The last four weeks we feel like we’ve really gained some real consistency and momentum,” he said.

“We’re still working out how good we can possibly be and that’s sort of a challenge for us, to keep playing this consistent brand of footy.”

“We want to be in some really good form coming into the back end of the season and hit September in good form.”

The Cats face Hawthorn at the MCG from 1:45pm on Saturday afternoon.