Hawthorn v Geelong, a storied rivalry that spans decades. The next chapter will be written in a Preliminary Final come Friday night at the MCG, with a spot in the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final on the line. 

The Hawks have worked their way through the finals from eighth spot, first besting the Giants in an Elimination Final before knocking off the minor premiers, Adelaide, in last weekend’s Semi Final.

The Cats finished second on the ladder with 17 wins and six losses before a dominant win over the Brisbane Lions in a Qualifying Final in week one of finals.  

A history of classics and thrilling finishes, this match-up is bound to be no exception, with the winner off to the big dance and the loser done for the year.

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

WHO: Geelong Cats v Hawthorn
WHAT: Preliminary Final
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Friday 19 September
TIME: 7.40pm AEST
BROADCAST: Channel 7 and Fox Footy/Kayo

How to watch

Following along at home? The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and 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

Geelong Cats (86) defeated Hawthorn (79) in Round 6, 2025.

The Hawks fell short by just seven points to the Cats in another Easter Monday clash earlier this season.

Josh Weddle was everywhere early, showcasing his versatility. The number 23 finished with 19 disposals, an equal game-high seven intercept possessions and five marks.

Karl Amon led allcomers with a game-high 29 disposals and seven inside 50s, with Jai Newcombe close behind on 28 disposals, as well as nine tackles and four clearances.

Jack Gunston and Mabior Chol each booted an equal game-high three majors, and Gunston also took a game-high eight marks. With Nick Watson also slotting two goals from 13 disposals, with five score involvements.

100 Years of Hawthorn v Geelong: Finals Edition

  • Hawthorn has won eight of its last 10 Preliminary Finals, including its most recent four.
  • The Hawks have not lost a knock-out Final against Geelong since 1963.
  • Hawthorn has a 6-4 record against Geelong in Finals.
  • Prior to this season, the lowest ladder position from which the Hawks had made a Prelim was sixth in 2001. 
  • Hawthorn has won four Finals against Geelong by single-figure margins.
  • Hawthorn has twice qualified for the Grand Final by beating Geelong, in 1991 and 2013.
  • Hawthorn has had three one-point wins against Geelong, its most against any opponent.

Tickets and Membership

General Public tickets for the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series match, Preliminary Final 2 – Geelong Cats v Hawthorn on Friday 19 September at the MCG are now exhausted. Should further tickets become available, they will be released via Ticketek on a date to be confirmed.

HawkWalk

Join the brown and gold family, mascots and more in a HAWKWALK to the MCG before the game this Friday night. Meeting outside Gate 8 at John Cain Arena at 5.30pm. 

Several former greats will be leading the convoy alongside President Andy Gowers, including:

  • Shane Crawford
  • Robert DiPierdomenico
  • Jordan Lewis

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

Road Disruptions

  • The M80 Ring Road is closed in both directions between Plenty Road and the Greensborough Bypass from 7.30pm Friday 19 September to 5.30am Monday 22 September.
  • Flinders Street (eastbound) is closed between Elizabeth and Swanston streets. 
  • The outbound entry and inbound exit from the Princes Freeway to Clyde Road, Berwick is closed until mid-November.

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.

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.

Rail Disruptions

  • Belgrave and Lilydale lines - buses replace trains between Box Hill and Belgrave or Lilydale stations from 11pm Friday 19 September until the last train Sunday 21 September.
  • Werribee Line - buses replace trains between Newport and Werribee stations from 10:30pm Friday 19 September to 5am Saturday 20 September.

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.