Geelong vs Hawthorn: MCG Prelimary Final reignites fierce rivalries

AN OLD rivalry will be reignited as Geelong face Hawthorn tomorrow (Friday, September 19) night in a massive AFL Preliminary Final clash at the MCG.

The Cats have had a week’s rest after smashing Brisbane in the Qualifying Final, while the Hawks beat minor premiers Adelaide to reach the penultimate week of the year.

With a Grand Final berth on the line, the MCG is expected to be at capacity in what looms as a mouthwatering matchup.

Geelong enter as favourites and are in the midst of a seven-game win streak. Their win over the Lions was dominant and has led to many pundits tipping them for their first flag since 2022.

Despite a shaky middle period of the season, Hawthorn have gotten back to their best in recent months and look far better than their eighth-place finish on the ladder.

The run of dazzling midfield duo Bailey Smith and Max Holmes will be key for the Cats on the large ground, while the dynamic ability of Shaun Mannagh could very well rip the game open.

Meanwhile, antagonists Jack Ginnivan and Nick Watson must not be left unattended, as the crafty forwards have proved to stand up on the big stage early in their careers. The kicking abilities and smarts of defenders such as Karl Amon will also be something to watch.

Geelong presently hold a four-game winning streak over Hawthorn, with their last loss in 2022. The matchups between these sides have often been classic, as seen this year in Round 4.

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