One of the first games circled on the calendar for Geelong every year is the traditional Easter Monday clash, taking on Hawthorn in front of a big crowd at the MCG. 

It is always one of the biggest matches in the home and away season, a game that often produces a close result and is a fantastic spectacle for any football fan. 

Geelong had a number of Easter Monday debutants this year, including Shaun Mannagh, who has proven time and time again that he looks right at home on the big stage. 

This particular game was no different, as Mannagh picked apart the Hawks and landed a telling blow late in the contest to secure a famous win for the Cats.

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Mannagh of the moment: Crafty Cat comes up big

Shaun Mannagh drills a huge goal in the final term as Geelong inches closer to a superb victory

It was that man, Mannagh who started proceedings with the first goal of the game, rewarded for his forward pressure and curling through the opener. 

The Cats dominated general play and Rhys Stanley hit the scoreboard late in the term, giving Geelong an 11-point buffer at the first break. 

The start to the second quarter was nearly identical to the first, Mannagh curling home his second major to kick-start his side and extending their lead. 

Both sides were scoring freely and finding plenty of opportunities, but Geelong were able to maintain a 10 point lead heading into half time. 

The back and forth trend of the game continued into the third term, with Hawthorn narrowly trimming the margin back to six points at the three-quarter-time. 

08:09

Highlights | Round 6

The Cats and Hawks clash in round six of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

It set up a grandstand finish heading into the last quarter, Patrick Dangerfield kicking his third major early in the term to extend Geelong's lead. 

But the Hawks would hit back with two goals of their own, levelling the scores and creating a tense atmosphere inside the MCG. 

With time ticking down and still only one point separating the teams, the Cats created an opportunity with some immense forward pressure, the ball falling into the hands of Shaun Mannagh once again. 

The crafty forward put the ball on his boot, rolling home his third goal of the afternoon and landing the decisive blow, as Geelong secured a famous seven point victory over the Hawks. 

In his Easter Monday debut, Mannagh finished with 17 disposals and seven tackles to go along with his three majors, while Patrick Dangerfield (three goals), Bailey Smith (28 disposals, four clearances) and Tom Atkins (24 disposals, nine tackles) all played an important role in the victory.