Hawthorn will host Geelong in the traditional Easter Monday blockbuster to close out Round 4.
The match-up sees the Hawks and Cats go head-to-head for the first time since their meeting in the 2025 preliminary final.
Monday’s clash also plays host to the Dare to Hope match in which Hawthorn and Geelong unite in the fight against pancreatic cancer, honouring Hawthorn premiership player and 1991 Norm Smith Medallist, Paul Dear and Geelong champion and former captain, Michael ‘Mick’ Turner, who both battled the disease.
GET YOUR DARE TO HOPE MERCH HERE!
Meanwhile, fan-favourite Jarman Impey will run out for his 150th game in the brown and gold and Senior Coach Sam Mitchell will coach his 100th game.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the first bounce:
WHO: Hawthorn v Geelong Cats
WHAT: Round 4
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Monday 6 April
TIME: 3.15pm
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 (85) defeated by Geelong Cats (85) in Preliminary Final, 2025.
Geelong proved too good for Hawthorn in the Preliminary Final, as the Hawks went down to the Cats by 30 points, putting an end to its 2025 season.
It was the largest non-Grand Final attendance since 1971, with 99,567 fans packed into the MCG to watch one of football’s defining rivalries go head-to-head once more. The Hawks started full of youthful bravado, while the Cats took a little while to shake off the rust accumulated after a week off.
Up forward, Mitch Lewis had a strong game, slotting three majors with five score involvements, and Jack Gunston also kicked three goals, to cap off a career-best 73-goal season. While Lloyd Meek won the ruck battle, finishing with 32 hitouts, 13 disposals and four marks.
What’s On
It’s the annual Dare to Hope match, as the club’s official charity partner, we’re banding together to raise awareness and vital funds for pancreatic cancer. So don your purple scarf or beanie and donate if you can!
Members can join the pre-game member meet up at the Betty Cuthbert Lounge inside the MCG. This is an opportunity to meet fellow Hawks members and hear from Assistant Coach, David Mackay between 1:15pm-1:30pm, hosted by Nat Edwards. Please note this meet up gives you exclusive access into the Betty Cuthbert Lounge prior to gates opening and you must register to be granted access inside the venue early. Tickets to the game are not included in this registration and you must have your digital/physical membership card or an eligible ticket to enter the venue.
REGISTER HERE FOR THE PRE-GAME MEMBER MEET UP HERE
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.
Tickets and Membership
For members, Melbourne reserved seat holders gave guaranteed entry. Scan your digital or physical cards as normal and sit in your allocated reserved seat. While 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.
General Public tickets to our Round 4 Dare to Hope match are available via Ticketek.
Non-members enter code HAWKSBAY to sit with fellow Hawks fans.
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
Public transport is free across Victoria until the end of April. This includes Melbourne trains, trams and buses; and regional trains, coaches and buses. Customers do not need to tap on, but if they do, they will not be charged.
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.
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.
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.
