Two old rivals are set to do battle this weekend in one of the most anticipated games of the season, with Geelong preparing to take on Hawthorn in the traditional Easter Monday clash. 

It will be the Cats' first venture up the highway in the new season, the first of five games they will play at the MCG in 2026. 

The most recent meeting between the two teams came in last year's Preliminary Final, where the Cats clawed their way back from an early deficit to record a stirring 30 point victory. 

Geelong will be looking to extend their recent strong form over the Hawks, having won five consecutive games and seven of the last eight matches over the arch rivals dating back to 2020.

With so much to look forward to and another blockbuster clash awaiting Geelong, take a first look ahead to Easter Monday against Hawthorn, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Shaun Mannagh of the Cats celebrates a goal during the AFL Preliminary Final match between Geelong Cats and Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 4

Hawthorn v Geelong Cats

MCG, Melbourne

Monday April 6, 3.15pm AEST

LAST TIME WE MET

The stakes could not have been higher in the most recent meeting between the teams, with Geelong and Hawthorn squaring off in the penultimate week of the 2025 season with a place in the Grand Final on the line. 

The Cats had to weather an early storm as the Hawks kicked the opening three goals, before Tom Stewart was ruled out with concussion to further complicate the situation, but Chris Scott's side were never going to roll over. 

Edging their way in front by the main break, Geelong put the foot down with a seven goal third quarter to build a strong lead, extending away in the final term to secure a 30 point victory. 

Patrick Dangerfield (31 disposals, three goals) was simply incredible, Bailey Smith (36 disposals, one goal) was equally as impressive while Tom Atkins (25 disposals, 11 tackles) and Mark Blicavs (12 disposals, 29 hit-outs) were both heavily influential through the middle of the ground. 

05:08

All The Goals | Cats Pile On 17 Majors In Prelim Triumph

Watch every goal from Geelong’s imperious win over Hawthorn in the 2025 preliminary final with your free AFL iD

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets are selling quickly for Geelong's Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn at the MCG. Click Here to secure your seat through Ticketek today. 

Geelong fans can also purchase a Digital Plus Membership for the year ahead, which provides a 12-month subscription to Kayo so you can watch all the action from home. 

If you have any questions about AFL ticketing or membership please contact Geelong Cats Membership Services here.

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 4 clash with Hawthorn will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7, with coverage set to kick off at 3.00pm AEDT ahead of the opening bounce at 3.15pm.

The game will also be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo, with coverage set to commence at 3.00pm AEDT.

K rock will also be covering all the action from 2.00pm at GMHBA Stadium, tune in via 95.5FM, krockfootball.live or the AFL app.

Make sure to follow @GeelongCats social media channels for updates pre, during and post game.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Bailey Smith of the Cats celebrates a goal during the AFL Preliminary Final match between Geelong Cats and Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

ROUND 3 TAKEAWAYS

Pressure was the name of the game for Geelong in Round 3, as they laid a whopping 25 tackles inside 50 in a hard fought eight point victory over Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium. 

The Cats dominated most facets of the game but struggled to capitalise on the scoreboard, scoring 68 points from 67 inside 50s which will be an area they will be looking to improve on against the Hawks. 

Bailey Smith was sublime in difficult conditions, amassing a game-high 40 disposals and 10 tackles, while also adding six clearances and five score involvements for good measure. 

One exciting aspect for the Cats was the performance of Jack Martin, who kicked an equal game-high three goals from his 14 disposals, on a night where scoring was hard to come by. 

07:15

Team Highlights | Round 3 vs Adelaide

Every player did their bit in a gritty win over the Crows in Round 3, watch the best bits here.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jhye Clark

He is a player that does not always get rewarded on the stat sheet for his hard work, but Jhye Clark's influence across the opening three weeks of the season has been incredibly important to Geelong's success. 

Playing a different role across half forward this year, Clark continually applies pressure to opposition defenders and provides a new level of toughness in and around the contest, both in the air and when the ball hits the ground. 

When the game was there to be won on Thursday night, the emerging star stood tall collecting 10 disposals and three tackles in the final quarter alone, helping the Cats to claw their way back into the contest after Adelaide briefly snatched the lead. 

In Geelong's last meeting with Hawthorn, Clark entered the game as the substitute and finished with 14 disposals and four clearances, so look for him to have an impact on Easter Monday in what is expected to be another pressure packed game.