One of the great days on the AFL calendar has arrived with Geelong preparing to return to the MCG, set to take on Hawthorn in the traditional Easter Monday clash. 

Both teams sit level on the ladder with two wins from their opening three matches of the season, Geelong looking to build momentum after battling through a tough contest against Adelaide in Round 3. 

The Cats made two changes at the selection table on Sunday night which included the return of experienced duo, Jack Bowes and Brad Close after the pair showed strong form in the VFL. 

As the two old foes prepare to do battle on Monday afternoon, take a look ahead to the key things to watch as the Cats take on Hawthorn. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 4
Hawthorn v Geelong Cats
MCG, Melbourne
Monday April 6, 3.15pm AEST

TEAM SELECTION

LAST TIME WE MET

Geelong and Hawthorn squared off in a blockbuster Preliminary Final last year, with the Cats prevailing in a tense contest to secure their spot in the 2025 Grand Final. 

After a slow start to the contest, the Cats pegged their way back into the match after quarter time and took control in the second half behind a sensational performance from Patrick Dangerfield, who finished with 31 disposals and three goals. 

Bailey Smith was also terrific and found plenty of the footy, Mark Blicavs played a pivotal role as Geelong's main ruckman, while the likes of Max Holmes and Tom Atkins were able to gain the ascendancy through the middle of the ground. 

The win was Geelong's second over Hawthorn in 2025 and their fifth consecutive victory over the Hawks, dating back to the Easter Monday clash in 2023. 

LEE KUM KEE - PIVOTAL MATCH-UP

Ollie Dempsey v Massimo D'Ambrosio

On the wide expanses of the MCG, there is space to be found for the elite runners and it certainly brings into play both wings as the teams transition out of their defensive 50. 

What it will create on Monday is a battle between two of the best wingers in the competition, with Geelong's Ollie Dempsey and Hawthorn's Massimo D'Ambrosio set to go toe-to-toe. 

Dempsey's record at the MCG has been incredible, averaging over 17 disposals per game and kicking 22 goals across 16 career appearances at the venue, which includes 16 goals from his eight games at the MCG in 2025. 

The star Cat has continued his phenomenal form with a strong start to 2026, averaging 19 disposals and two goals per game across the opening three weeks. 

D'Ambrosio is also a consistent threat for the Hawks, coming off a brilliant season where he averaged over 18 disposals and four marks per game, with this battle set to shape the outcome on Monday afternoon. 

KEY PLAYER TO WATCH

Jack Bowes

It is not often that a player's form is simply so good that he can not be left out any longer, but Jack Bowes was doing more than just knocking down the door and earned his recall to Geelong's AFL side for Easter Monday. 

After an interrupted finish to his pre-season, Bowes started the year in the VFL and was brilliant against Essendon in Round 1, collecting 29 disposals and kicking a goal to help the Cats secure a big win. 

If that was not enough, he followed that up with a 39-disposal and three goal performance against Box Hill in Round 2, playing both through the midfield and across half back to great effect. 

After proving that he was simply a class above, Bowes earned his spot on Easter Monday and is set to feature in his first AFL game for 2026, looking to solidify his spot with a big performance against the Hawks. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

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

General Admission Access

Arriving early is recommended as General Admission areas will be limited due to high demand. Available GA bays will be located in the Shane Warne Stand Level 4 (Q1–Q6) and Olympic Stand Level 4 (Q49–Q55, Rows AA–MM). 

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. 

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 AEST 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 AEST.

K rock will also be covering all the action from 2.00pm at the MCG, 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.