Geelong vs Hawthorn: A Classic AFL Preliminary Final That Rekindled a Fierce Rivalry
Australian Rules Football is known for its passion, tradition, and rivalries that stretch across decades. Few rivalries capture the imagination of AFL fans quite like Geelong vs Hawthorn. When these two teams meet, it is rarely just another game; it is a contest charged with history, pride, and an unrelenting will to win.
The 2025 AFL Preliminary Final between Geelong Cats and Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) lived up to every bit of that expectation. With a Grand Final spot on the line, the stage was set for a high-stakes battle that delivered drama, skill, heartbreak, and a reminder of why this matchup has become one of the defining rivalries in modern AFL history.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the match, the turning points, standout players, historical significance, and what this result means for both clubs moving forward.
The Rivalry: Geelong vs Hawthorn
The roots of the Geelong-Hawthorn rivalry run deep. While both clubs are powerhouse names in the AFL, their head-to-head battles since the late 20th century have created some unforgettable chapters in Australian sport.
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1989 Grand Final: Often referred to as one of the greatest AFL games ever played, the Hawks defeated Geelong by just six points in a brutal contest.
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2008 Grand Final: Hawthorn stunned a dominant Geelong side to win the premiership, cementing their reputation as the Cats’ bogey team.
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2013 Preliminary Final: Another tight battle, where Hawthorn once again held off a strong Geelong challenge.
Over time, the term “Kennett Curse” became famous when Geelong won eleven straight against the Hawks after Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett publicly suggested Geelong lacked mental toughness.
Fast-forward to 2025, and once again, these two giants met on the big stage. This time, it was Geelong who had the last laugh, breaking Hawthorn hearts and marching into yet another AFL Grand Final.
Match Overview: Cats 17.13 (115) def. Hawks 13.7 (85)
The final scoreline shows Geelong as comfortable winners by 30 points, but the story of the game was far from straightforward.
First Quarter: Hawthorn Start Strong
The Hawks opened with confidence and aggression. Mitch Lewis and Jack Gunston hit the scoreboard early, applying pressure on the Cats’ defence. By the first break, Hawthorn had a three-goal lead and their supporters were daring to dream of another Grand Final appearance.
Second Quarter: Geelong Steady the Ship
Geelong’s midfield, led by the evergreen Patrick Dangerfield, began to take control. Their ball movement improved, and forwards like Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle found space inside 50. By halftime, the Cats had edged ahead, and the momentum had clearly shifted.
Third Quarter: The Defining Term
The third quarter proved decisive. Geelong piled on multiple goals in quick succession, while Hawthorn struggled to contain the Cats’ spread from stoppages. Dangerfield was everywhere, Bailey Smith dominated possession, and suddenly Geelong had opened up a game-winning lead.
Final Quarter: Holding Off the Hawks
Hawthorn refused to give up, but Geelong’s defensive unit stood tall, even without key player Tom Stewart, who had gone off earlier with concussion. In the end, the Cats closed out the match with maturity, sealing a well-deserved win and securing their place in the 2025 Grand Final.
Star Performers
Every finals match has its heroes, and this one was no different.
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Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong): At 35 years old, Dangerfield once again proved why he is a champion of the game. With 32 disposals, eight clearances, and three goals, he dragged his team over the line in critical moments. His performance was not just about numbers—it was about leadership and setting the tone for the Cats.
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Bailey Smith (Geelong): With 36 disposals, Smith’s work rate and decision-making were vital. He consistently provided an outlet and linked up Geelong’s play across the ground.
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Jeremy Cameron & Tyson Stengle (Geelong): Both forwards kicked three goals each, ensuring the Cats had multiple avenues to goal. Cameron’s marking presence and Stengle’s creativity kept the Hawks’ defenders under constant pressure.
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Mitch Lewis & Jack Gunston (Hawthorn): Each kicked three goals and gave Hawthorn fans something to cheer about. Their ability to hit the scoreboard early was crucial, even if the Hawks couldn’t sustain it.
The Turning Points
Several key moments shaped the flow of this contest:
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Tom Stewart’s Injury
Early in the game, Geelong lost their star defender Tom Stewart after a heavy collision. Diagnosed with concussion, Stewart was ruled out not just for the remainder of the match, but also for the Grand Final due to AFL’s strict concussion protocols. Many feared this would derail Geelong’s defensive structure, but the Cats adapted remarkably. -
Geelong’s Midfield Surge in the Third Quarter
Clearance work and contested ball wins became the difference. Dangerfield, Smith, and Guthrie took control around stoppages, creating repeat inside-50 entries that the Hawks could not contain. -
Hawthorn’s Missed Chances
The Hawks had opportunities to close the gap in the second half but squandered shots at goal. Finals football is often about seizing the moment, and Hawthorn fell short when it mattered most.
Historical and Emotional Weight
This wasn’t just a Preliminary Final—it was another chapter in a rivalry that AFL fans will never tire of. For Hawthorn supporters, the defeat stings, especially after their team’s spirited finals campaign from outside the top four. Yet, the Hawks showed promise, proving that they are on the way back as a contender.
For Geelong, the win is significant. It cements their reputation as one of the most consistently successful clubs of the modern era. To reach yet another Grand Final speaks volumes about their culture, adaptability, and ability to rejuvenate their list year after year.
What This Means for Both Clubs
For Geelong
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Grand Final berth: The Cats now prepare for the biggest stage, where they will face either Collingwood or Brisbane.
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Challenge ahead: Losing Tom Stewart is a massive blow. Chris Scott and his coaching team will need to re-shape the backline for the Grand Final.
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Dangerfield’s legacy: At 35, Dangerfield is nearing the end, but performances like this ensure his name will remain etched in Geelong’s history forever.
For Hawthorn
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Season ends, but future looks bright: From eighth on the ladder to a Preliminary Final is a major achievement. The Hawks’ rebuild is ahead of schedule, and their younger stars gained valuable experience.
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Work to do: To match the very best, Hawthorn will need to continue developing midfield depth and refine their forward structure.
Broader AFL Impact
This Preliminary Final also highlighted some bigger talking points for the AFL as a whole:
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Concussion Protocols: Stewart’s enforced absence for the Grand Final reinforces how seriously the AFL treats head injuries. While devastating for Geelong, it is a necessary measure for player safety.
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Rivalries as AFL’s Lifeblood: Games like Geelong vs Hawthorn remind fans why AFL thrives on rivalries. Beyond the skills and tactics, it is the history, the stories, and the emotion that elevate the sport.
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Finals Football Drama: Once again, the Preliminary Final delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing why September remains the most exciting time on the AFL calendar.
Looking Ahead
Geelong’s win sets up a blockbuster Grand Final. Whether they face Collingwood or Brisbane, the challenge will be immense, especially without Tom Stewart. But if Dangerfield, Smith, Cameron, and Stengle can replicate their Preliminary Final form, the Cats will be hard to beat.
For Hawthorn, while disappointment lingers, their fans can look to 2026 with optimism. The experience gained this finals series will only strengthen their resolve, and with their young core developing, the Hawks are well-placed to challenge again.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Preliminary Final between Geelong and Hawthorn was more than just a football match—it was a reminder of why AFL captivates millions across Australia. It showcased the power of rivalries, the drama of finals football, and the stories that make this game so beloved.
For Geelong supporters, it was a night of triumph, courage, and a step closer to premiership glory. For Hawthorn fans, it was bittersweet, a taste of what their club is building towards.
As the Cats march into the Grand Final and the Hawks bow out with pride, one thing is certain: whenever Geelong and Hawthorn meet, AFL fans are guaranteed something special.
