Geelong has made two changes for their blockbuster Easter Monday clash, as they prepare to take on Hawthorn in their first game at the MCG for the 2026 season. 

Off the back of a scintillating 38-disposal and three-goal performance in the VFL last week, silky midfielder Jack Bowes has earned a recall to Geelong's AFL side and will feature in his first game at the top level this year. 

Brad Close has also been selected after featuring in the VFL match against Box Hill last week, with the pressure forward creating plenty of chances for teammates and kicking a goal of his own in the victory. 

Mark O'Connor will be managed and comes out of the side that faced Adelaide in Round 3, with Jhye Clark the other omission after featuring in Geelong's VFL win over Werribee on Saturday. 

Geelong are set to head up the highway for the first time this year, preparing to take on Hawthorn in the traditional Easter Monday clash at the MCG. 

The Cats will be looking to build on their back-to-back victories at home over Fremantle and Adelaide, before heading to Adelaide for Gather Round next week. 

Tickets are selling quickly for Geelong's clash against Hawthorn at the MCG, check out the Cats' Match Day Guide for all ticketing information and general admission seating areas. 

The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy while also streamed through Kayo, with coverage set to kick off at 3.00pm AEST ahead of the opening bounce at 3.15pm. 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.