Geelong has fallen short in dramatic circumstances on Easter Monday, falling to Hawthorn by one point in another classic contest between the two teams. 

The opening half was a see-sawing affair with both teams producing moments of brilliance and the lead changing hands several times, a pattern that continued right up until the final moments of the match. 

Bailey Smith (33 disposals, six clearances) worked hard through the midfield all game, as did Max Holmes (27 disposals, three goal assists) with the star duo providing plenty of dash throughout the afternoon. 

Shannon Neale (four goals) provided a strong target inside 50 and pulled down a game-high three contested marks, while Mitch Edwards (six clearances, 18 hit-outs) put together his best performance and added a new dimension around stoppages. 

Bathed in glorious sunshine, a scene that seemed unlikely for large parts in the build up to the match, the opening quarter at the MCG was predominantly played on Hawthorn's terms but Geelong were able to limit the damage, heading into the first break eight points adrift. 

A handful of turnovers combined with the Hawks' pressure had the Cats on the back foot early, but Tom Stewart's four intercept possessions in the first term and Oisin Mullin's strong start helped to keep them within striking distance at quarter time. 

As is always the case with Easter Monday clashes, there are plenty of ebbs and flows within the contest and the second quarter provided that in spades. Geelong opened the term with three unanswered goals inspired by some great play from Oli Wiltshire and Ollie Henry, before Hawthorn hit right back with three goals of their own to re-establish their lead. 

But just when it looked like momentum had swung against them, the Cats found another gear and kicked four of the last five goals in the quarter to open up a nine point lead heading into half time. 

There was nobody more prolific in the opening half than Bailey Smith, who headed into the main break with 20 disposals, four score involvements and 434 metres gained to his name and continually challenged Hawthorn's defence with his elite running capacity. 

Stewart was sturdy in defence collecting 12 disposals at 100% efficiency and six intercepts in the first half, Jack Bowes was heavily influential in the forward half with two goals and two goal assists, while Mitch Edwards provided a spark in the middle with a game-high four clearances. 

The stage was set for another classic Easter Monday finish in the second half and while the scoring dried up, the intensity did not as a late goal from Jack Ginnivan put Hawthorn back in front after the three quarter time siren. 

Lawson Humphries and Gryan Miers worked their way into the contest and found plenty of the footy, collecting 17 disposals between them in the third term.

After relinquishing the lead heading into the final break, the Cats steeled themselves for one final surge and they wasted no time, kicking the opening two goals of the fourth quarter to edge their way back in front. 

With his 300th game looming large next week, Mark Blicavs then capitalised on his big opportunity with a brilliant left foot snap, sending Geelong 13 points clear midway through the quarter. 

But in any given match between Geelong and Hawthorn, it is never that simple and the Hawks quickly closed within a kick once again, before a minor score from Mabior Chol levelled scores.

With time fading and over 80,000 spectators holding their breath, the Cats launched a final foray forward and the ball landed in the lap of Shannon Neale, with the emerging forward making no mistake with the set shot and putting Geelong in front with 90 seconds remaining. 

But it was not meant to be as Hawthorn found another goal to level scores, before a final quick finish gave them the lead and the four points in a thriller at the MCG. 

2026 AFL Season - Round 4

HAWTHORN     3.3    7.5   10.9   13.14   (92)  
GEELONG          2.1    9.2   10.5    14.7   (91) 

GOALS
Hawthorn: Watson, Gunston 3, Ginnivan, Chol, Lewis 2, Weddle 1
Geelong: Neale 4, O.Henry 3, Bowes 2, Wiltshire, Martin, Dempsey, Cameron, Blicavs 1

BEST
Hawthorn: Ward, Impey, Sicily, Barrass, Gunston, Watson
Geelong: Smith, Holmes, Neale, Stewart, Blicavs, O.Henry

INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
Geelong: Nil

CROWD: 84,712 @ the MCG