You could not write a better script for the penultimate weekend of the season, with two old rivals set to battle it out for a spot in the 2025 AFL Grand Final. 

Geelong heads back to the MCG for their Preliminary Final on Friday night and will take on Hawthorn, after enjoying a week off following their brilliant victory in the Qualifying Final against Brisbane. 

It is set to be the Cats 14th Preliminary Final in the last 19 years, looking to convert that into their seventh Grand Final appearance across that span. 

With everything to play for, take a look ahead to Friday night's enormous match at the MCG, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

KEY DETAILS  

2025 AFL Season - Preliminary Final

Geelong Cats v Hawthorn

MCG, Melbourne

Friday September 19th, 7.40pm (AEST)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Geelong: Shaun Mannagh

It just feels like Mannagh was a player built for September football. 

Possessing a combination of skill, poise and toughness, Mannagh has already been able to have an impact in Finals despite only being in his second season at the top level. 

Last year the crafty Cat averaged 19 disposals and two goals a game in Geelong's two Finals, backing that up with a number of important moments and a pair of goal assists in this year's Qualifying Final. 

Mannagh was also among the best players on the ground on Easter Monday earlier this year, finishing with 17 disposals and three goals against Hawthorn. 

Hawthorn: Karl Amon

With a lethal left boot and high football IQ, Karl Amon poses a big threat as a pivotal part of Hawthorn's style and ball movement. 

Earlier this year, Amon showed how damaging he can be against the Cats collecting 29 disposals, seven inside 50's and over 800 metres gained. 

He is certainly a player that can access the corridor and open up the ground for the Hawks, keep an eye on how Chris Scott and the Cats combat this on Friday night. 

RECENT HISTORY - Geelong v Hawthorn

This rivalry has produced plenty of epic battles over the past two decades, but Geelong have been able to gain the ascendancy over Hawthorn in recent times. 

Dating back to 2023, the Cats hold a four game win streak of the Hawks with an average winning margin of 44 points, their last loss coming in Round 4 of the 2022 season. 

The two teams have faced each other in 10 Finals across V/AFL history, Hawthorn holding a narrow advantage with six wins to Geelong's four. 

VENUE HISTORY - MCG

Playing well at the MCG is vital for any team looking to challenge for a premiership, and the Cats have certainly done that to this point of the 2025 season. 

Through six games at the venue this year, Geelong have won five teams against just one loss with an average winning margin of 36 points. 

Their form at the MCG has always been a great indicator of the Cats premiership chances, holding a 28-2 record across the 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2022 seasons. 

AFLW | Round 6

Port Adelaide v Geelong Cats
Saturday September 20th
Bounce: 1:05pm AEST
Alberton Oval, Adelaide

WHERE TO WATCH 

All matches in Week Three of the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network and Fox Footy, while also being streamed live on Kayo.

Coverage of Friday night's match will start at 7.00pm AEST ahead of the opening bounce at 7.40pm. 

For those tuning into the action on the radio, K rock will be covering the all the action from 6.00pm. Listen live through 95.5FM, 88.0 at the MCG, krockfootball.live or via the AFL app.

Broadcast Details: 2025 AFL Broadcast Guide