Hawthorn and the GWS Giants will go head-to-head for the second time this season, when they face off at the MCG this Friday night.

Earlier this year in Opening Round it was the GIANTS who prevailed on their home deck, running out 27-point winners.

Last week, the Hawks secured a 16-point win over the Suns to secure its place in third on the ladder ahead of Round 16. While the Giants sit 13th with six wins and eight losses for the year to date.

The Round 16 match up marks the second ever clash between the two sides on a Friday night, the only other time was the historic snow game in Canberra back in 2019.

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

WHO: Hawthorn v GWS Giants
WHAT: Round 16
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Friday 26 June
TIME: 7.40pm
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 (95) defeated by GWS Giants (122) in Opening Round, 2026.

Hawthorn was delt a 27-point loss to the Giants in Opening Round at ENGIE Stadium.

The Hawks came hard late, kicking the first three goals of the final term to make decent headway into the 40-point lead, but ultimately fell short.

Despite the loss, a handful of Hawks were at their best. Led by Jai Newcome in his first game as co-skipper finishing with 25 disposals, four marks and four clearances.

As well as veteran forward Jack Gunston who kicked off his 2026 season in similar fashion to that of his 2025 campaign, with a team-high four majors. And Lloyd Meek who had a game-high 33 disposals and a goal.  

Tickets and Membership

General Public tickets to our Round 16 match are available via Ticketek.

Details on Member Access can be found HERE.

It’s not too late to become a 2026 member with a variety of packages available. SIGN UP HERE!

What’s On

Quarter-time seems the Superhero Kick for Cash, half-time it’s Auskick and dance cam time, before the three quarter-time KFC Bucket Kick Challenge thanks to our Match Day Partner, KFC.

Get your Wizard hat’s ready! The Wizard Fan Cam will be scanning the stadium before the game and at half time for the most magical fans in the crowd. When you hear the Harry Potter music, wave your hate and bring the energy for your chance to win one of five Nintendo Switch 2 consoles +Mario Kart World bundles.

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 Disruptions:  

  • Buses replace trains on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines between South Yarra and Oakleigh from 8:30pm Friday 26 June to last train Sunday 28 June.
  • No trains running between Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac Stations.
  • Sunbury Line passengers transfer at Footscray to Werribee/ Williamstown train towards City for direct access to Southern Cross Station (Marvel) and Richmond (MCG).
  • Buses replace trains on the Frankston Line between South Yarra and Mordialloc from 8:30pm Friday 26 June to last train Sunday 28 June.
  • Buses replace trains on the Sandringham Line between Parliament and Elsternwick from 11pm Friday 26 June to 6am Saturday 27 June.

Regional Train Disruptions:

  • Coaches replace trains on the Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines between Southern Cross and East Pakenham from Friday night 26 June to last service Sunday 28 June.

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 Disruptions:

  • Bulleen Road citybound entry ramp to Eastern Freeway, Balwyn North closed until 5am, Wednesday 1 July.

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.