One of the biggest games on Geelong's calendar has finally arrived, the Cats set to do battle with Hawthorn in the traditional Easter Monday clash at the MCG. 

The two powerhouse teams are set to go head to head in front of a big crowd in Melbourne, Geelong looking to secure their third consecutive win after defeating Melbourne and Adelaide in the past two rounds. 

In one of the great rivalries of the modern era, the Cats have had the upper-hand in recent times winning five of their last six clashes with the Hawks. 

Check out all the main details and everything you need to know ahead of Monday's blockbuster clash. 

KEY DETAILS  

2025 AFL Season - Round 6
Geelong Cats v Hawthorn
MCG, Melbourne
Monday 21st April, 3.20pm (AEST)

TEAM SELECTION

LAST TIME WE MET

Geelong's most recent clash with Hawthorn came in Round 17 last year at GMHBA Stadium, with the Cats cruising to a dominant 51 point victory over the Hawks. 

Gaining the ascendancy early, Geelong piled on four unanswered goals to start the match and raced out to a 34 point lead by half time, continuing to pull away after the break with a seven goal second half. 

Sam De Koning stamped his authority with an impressive display in the ruck, finishing the day with 20 disposals, 15 hit-outs and two goals. 

Jeremy Cameron (19 disposals, four goals) was awarded the three votes on Brownlow night, while Tom Stewart (26 disposals, 10 score involvements) and Brad Close (14 disposals, four goals) were both heavily influential in the victory. 

RECENT HISTORY - Geelong v Hawthorn

Although this rivalry is famous for its tight finishes and hard fought contests, Geelong have had the upper-hand in recent times winning five of the last six matches against Hawthorn. 

The Cats only loss to the Hawks in the past five years came in 2022, with Geelong also coming out on top in three of the last four clashes at the MCG. 

It is often hard to separate the two teams, with 16 of the last 31 matches dating back to 2009 being decided by 12 points or less. 

VENUE HISTORY - MCG 

Geelong will venture to the MCG for the first time in 2025 on Easter Monday, kicking off a triple header at the venue with matches against Carlton (Round 7) and Collingwood (Round 8) to follow. 

2024 provided mixed results for Geelong at the MCG winning four of their seven games at the venue, including the Easter Monday clash with Hawthorn in Round Three. 

Across V/AFL history the Cats have the fourth highest winning percentage of any team at the venue, securing 200 wins from their 365 games at the MCG dating back to 1897. 

KEY PLAYER TO WATCH

Shannon Neale

Set to feature in the first Easter Monday match of his AFL career, Shannon Neale looks poised to cause headaches for the Hawthorn defence on the wide expanses of the MCG. 

While it has not been a spectacular start to the 2025 season, Neale has been ultra consistent hitting the scoreboard in four of the first five games, while also clunking seven contested marks and continually crashing packs when required. 

Neale impressed against Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium last year, taking five marks inside 50 and kicking two goals, look for him to have a big impact on Easter Monday. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

The blockbuster Easter Monday clash will be broadcast on Channel 7 and Fox Footy, while also being streamed on Kayo from 3.00pm ahead of the opening bounce at 3.20pm AEST. 

For those tuning in on the radio, K rock will be covering all the action from 2.00pm on 95.5FM, krockfootball.live and through the AFL app. 

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