Hawthorn’s first home game of the season sees the Hawks host the Swans at the MCG in Thursday night football.

Hawthorn are one win and one loss after two games in 2026, with a victory over the Bombers last week. While the visiting Swans sit atop the league ladder ahead of Round 2, having secured wins over Carlton and Brisbane.

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

WHO: Hawthorn v Sydney Swans
WHAT: Round 2
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Thursday 19 March  
TIME: 7.30pm AEDT
BROADCAST: Channel 7 and Fox Footy/Kayo

How to watch

Following along at home? The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and 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 (96) defeated Sydney Swans (76) in Opening Round, 2024.

The Hawks and the Swans last met at the SCG in Opening Round of 2024, where Hawthorn kicked off its season with a 20-point victory.

Will Day had a night out, booting three goals by half-time to finish with 26 disposals, nine clearances, seen score involvements and six tackles.

His fellow onballers in Jai Newcombe (19 disposals, one goal) and Conor Nash (20 disposals, one goal) more than matched their highly-fancied opponents. Their efforts were aided by Lloyd Meek (14 disposals, two goals) as the big-man presence while James Sicily was swung forward late to boot the sealer.

What’s On

It’s our first home game of the 2026 season, let’s paint the ‘G brown and gold and do it our way! Max Lynch returns to the MCG as our match day MC. The Salvation Army New York Staff Band will be performing on the concourse, with Hawks Trivia happening pre-game. 

Quarter time hosts the Superhero Kick for Cash, with future footy stars taking to the field for the half-time Auskick games, as well as Hawka and Hawkette Hide N Seek, before three quarter-time's KFC activation. 

This match also celebrates the diverse cultural heritage that strengthens Australian football, through the AFL’s Cultural Heritage Series. The Series acknowledges the many stories and contributions that have shaped Australian football, highlights the communities involved in the game today and supports pathways for future generations to participate and connect through football. Find more information on Cultural Heritage Series HERE.

Tickets and Membership

Hawks members can find details of how to attend our first home game of the season against the Sydney Swans HERE. 

General Public tickets to our Round 2 match are available via Ticketek.

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 

By Train

Jolimont Station is a five-minute walk (350m) through Yarra Park to MCG Gate 2.

Richmond Station is 850m from the MCG.

To plan your journey visit ptv.vic.gov.au/journey.

Train Disruption: 

  • Buses replace trains on the Werribee Line between Newport and Werribee from 8:30pm to last train each night, Monday 16 March to Thursday 19 March.
  • By Tram

Three tram routes provide access to the MCG:

- Route 75 (City-Vermont South) - Stop 11 Jolimont Station/MCG is 300m from MCG Gate 2.

- Route 48 (Docklands/City-North Balwyn) - Stop 11 Jolimont Station/MCG is 300m from MCG Gate 2.

- Route 70 (Docklands/City-Wattle Park) - the stop is 500m from Gate 2.

By Bus

Bus route 246 stops in Punt Road and is 600m from MCG Gate 3.

By Car

Parking is extremely limited on event days at the MCG. The use of public transport is strongly recommended.

Parking for Australian Disability Parking (ADP) permit holders is available in Yarra Park. More information can be found here.

Road Disruption: 

  • Princes Freeway, Berwick is closed in both directions at Clyde Road from 10pm, Thursday 19 March to 5am, Friday 20 March.

Drop off/Pick up locations

Need a ride to the game? Use DiDi, proud partner of the Hawks.

Patrons are advised to use Clarendon Street (near the Pullman Hotel) for their rideshare drop off and pick up.