Hawthorn’s 2026 campaign kicks off this Saturday afternoon in an Opening Round clash with the GWS Giants.
The Hawks and the Giants will go head-to-head for the first time since the Hawks ended the Giants' 2025 campaign in an epic Elimination Final.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the first bounce:
WHO: GWS Giants v Hawthorn
WHAT: Opening Round
WHERE: ENGIE Stadium
WHEN: Saturday 7 March
TIME: 4.15pm AEDT
BROADCAST: Fox Footy/Kayo
How to watch
Following along at home? The game will be broadcast live 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 (107) defeated GWS Giants (88) in Elimination Final, 2025.
In what looked like a likely win for the Hawks after a seven-goal first term and being 42 points up midway through the third, the Giants fought back with six straight goals in the shadows of three-quarter time to set up a grandstand finish.
Hawthorn dug deep when it mattered most to secure a 19-point victory over the Giants to progress to a Semi Final.
The Hawks dominated proceedings for most of the afternoon, with 100-gamer Jai Newcombe (32 disposals, 12 clearances) and Jarman Impey (28 disposals) running rampant, while Tom Barrass led the defensive unit with authority.
Connor Macdoanld, Jack Gunston and Jack Ginnivan all finished with three majors to their names.
Tickets and Membership
The Eligible Interstate NSW members have access to redeeming a $0 ticket for this match. Members wishing to attend must redeem their ticket via Ticketmaster.
Tickets to our Opening Round match are available HERE.
In 2026 we’re doing it Our Way. On the eve of Opening Round, it’s the perfect time to become a 2026 member with a variety of packages available. SIGN UP HERE!
Getting to the game
Located within Sydney Olympic Park, ENGIE Stadium is 26 minutes west of the Anzac Bridge and Sydney’s iconic Darling Harbour. Details on how to plan your journey to ENGIE Stadium can be found HERE.
