Hawthorn will host Richmond at the MCG on Sunday in the club’s Centenary Match.

The Round 8 clash will be a symbolic match-up in Hawthorn’s 100-year celebrations, given the Tigers were the Hawks first-ever opponent back in 1925.

Here's all you need to know ahead of the game:

WHO: Hawthorn v Richmond
WHAT: Round 8
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Sunday 4 May
TIME: 3.20pm AEST
BROADCAST: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo


How to watch

Following along at home? The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and available on Fox Footy and can be streamed through Kayo.

Don’t have Kayo? Click HERE to check out our Hawks on Demand membership and save on 12 months of Kayo.

Follow @hawthornfc on Instagram, X and Facebook to remain updated on all the behind-the-scenes action on game day.

 

Last time we met

Hawthorn (131) defeated Richmond (68) in Round 23, 2024.  

The Hawks managed a 63-point victory over the Tigers at the MCG, set up by a nine goals to one opening term.

Star midfielder Jai Newcombe produced one of his best performances of 2024, finishing with 33 touches, 15 contested possessions, 14 score involvements, nine clearances and seven inside 50s.

James Worpel was just as influential with 29 disposals and two goals, while Massimo D'Ambrosio and Karl Amon inflicted plenty of damage on the outside from a wing and half-back with 26 disposals a piece.

Jack Gunston showed he’s aging like fine wine, slotting a season-high five goals, while Nick Watson and Calsher Dear kicked three goals each. Dylan Moore and Worpel each finished with two majors as well.

 

What's On

Hawthorn hosts Richmond in its Centenary Match, the club’s first-ever opponent back in 1925. The match is as a celebration of a century of passion, pride and unforgettable moments in the brown and gold.

The pre-game ceremony will features Hawthorn legends and greats who built the club’s legacy, including the likes of Leigh Matthews, Peter Knights, David Parkin, Peter Hudson, Robert DiPierdomenico, John Kennedy Jr, Gary Ayres, Michael Tuck, John Platten, Chance Bateman, Ben Dixon, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis, Jarryd Roughead, Brian Lake, Josh Gibson Isaac Smith and more.

The occasion will be topped off with a special live performance by the iconic, Kate Cebrano.

Our current-day Hawks will be wearing a special Centenary Guernsey for the match, featuring the names of all 973 players to have represented Hawthorn in the VFL/AFL since 1925, along with the name of all 32 senior coaches.

Dashing defender Josh Weddle will line up for his 50th AFL game in the brown and gold.

MCG Inclusion Project

The Inclusion Project is proudly partnering with the Hawthorn Football Club to assist with making the match-day experience more accessible for those living with hidden disabilities.

We will be operating a Sensory Room supported by an Occupational Therapist who will be available to assist fans as needed in the space.

We will also have our Inclusion Project Officers at main entrances to assist if you require during the match.

If you have any questions or assistance head to Gate 3 and look for our Inclusion Project Officers.

MCG Inclusion spaces

  • Changing Places bathroom (Level 1, Gate 3 - Olympic Stand)
  • Parent Rooms (Level 1)
  • All Gender Bathroom (Level B1, Gate 1 - Ponsford Stand)
  • 'G Train Mobility Buggy Service
  • Sensory Room (Located within the Australian Sports Museum, Gate 3)
  • Multi Faith Prayer Room (Level B1, behind M13)

 

100 years of Hawthorn v Richmond   

  • Jason Dunstall kicked a club record 17 goals against Richmond in 1992 (and followed it up with a bag of 12 goals when the teams met again later in the season).
  • Hawthorn and Richmond have only played one Final against each other (in 2018) despite making the Finals in the same season on 10 occasions.
  • Hec Yeomans kicked Hawthorn’s first two VFL-AFL goals against Richmond in Round 1 1925, the second putting Hawthorn one-point ahead.
  • The greatest three-quarter time deficit which Hawthorn has overturned remains the 25 points against Richmond in 1956, the Hawks winning by 21.
  • Hawthorn won the last match played at Richmond’s former Punt Road home ground in the final round of 1964. 
  • Hawthorn’s first two wins against Richmond were by the same margin – two points – in consecutive years at Glenferrie in 1936 and 1937.
  • Hawthorn’s first five wins against Richmond were all by single figure margins – 2, 2, 3, 8 and 5 points.
  • Hawthorn’s first match at both Glenferrie and Waverley was against Richmond, in 1925 and 1970

 

Tickets and Membership

Tickets for this celebration match are still available through Ticketek.

For those without reserved seat entitlements, we recommend securing your tickets as early as possible to this special match. The Club hopes as many Hawks fans and general footy fans as possible will join us to celebrate our 100-year milestone.

Melbourne reserved seat members have guaranteed entry. Scan your digital or physical cards as normal and sit in your allocated reserved seat.

Hawthorn General Admission members can upgrade to a reserved seat for a reduced price.

Alternatively, members can access a $0 standing-room ticket via Ticketek.

 

Getting to the game 

Please plan ahead and arrive as early as possible. Enhanced security measures will be in place at the MCG, which may increase wait times. We recommend members and fans arrive early to avoid long queues and ensure access ahead of the first bounce.

Also a reminder to be mindful of what is in your bag, ensure bags are small and items carried meet the conditions of entry https://www.mcg.org.au/the-stadium/visitor-information/conditions-of-entry

There are plenty of public transport options to get to the MCG.

By train

There are two train stations close to the MCG - Jolimont and Richmond.

Jolimont Station is north of the ground and offers a five-minute stroll through Yarra Park to the gates to the ground. View

Richmond Station is on the south-eastern side of the MCG. It's a slightly longer walk to the ground, past the Punt Road Oval to the Shane Warne Stand side.

  • Buses replace trains on the Belgrave, Lilydale and Alamein lines between Parliament and Camberwell stations from 8:30pm until the last train each night Sunday 20 April to Wed 23 April.
  • Buses replace trains on the Glen Waverley Line between Richmond and Glen Waverley stations from 8:30pm until the last train each night Sunday 20 April to Wed 23 April.

Train Disruption: 

  • Buses replace trains on the Frankston Line between South Yarra and Caulfield stations from 11:45pm Friday 2 May until the last service on Sunday 4 May.

By tram

Three tram routes provide access to the MCG.

The No. 70 tram (Docklands/City-Wattle Park) is the closest tram stop to the ground, travelling from Flinders Street and detouring via Melbourne Park. The tram stop is a short walk across the footbridge to the ground.

Stopping on Wellington Road just north of the MCG, the No. 75 tram (City-Vermont South) travels from Flinders St, and the No. 48 (Docklands/City-North Balwyn) travels from Collins Street, both connecting the city and eastern suburbs.

Tram Disruption:

  • Buses replace trams on Tram Route 82 between Stop 64 Footscray Station/Leeds St to Stop 32 Moonee Ponds Junction/Pascoe Vale Rd from 9pm Friday 2 May until 4:30am Monday 12 May.

Road Disruptions: 

  • Flinders Street (eastbound) is closed between Elizabeth and Swanston streets – something to keep in mind for those heading through the city.