Geelong and Hawthorn’s storied finals rivalry is reignited at the MCG on Friday night, with the Cats chasing another grand final berth and the Hawks hoping to continue their fairytale run from eighth. A decade on from their last September meeting, this clash promises drama, history and high stakes.

When: Friday September 19, 2025 at 7:40 pm

Where: The MCG

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After nearly a decade apart in September, Geelong and Hawthorn’s finals rivalry reignites at the MCG on Friday night. The Cats arrive refreshed after crushing Brisbane 112-74 in their qualifying final, a performance that underlined their top-two status and allowed a valuable week off. Hawthorn, meanwhile, continues to write its own fairytale, storming from eighth spot to reach the preliminary final stage — a feat achieved only once before, by North Melbourne in 2015.

The last time these sides met was on Easter Monday, when Geelong held off a late Hawks surge to claim an 86-79 thriller, with Shaun Mannagh bagging three goals. For Chris Scott’s side, keeping tabs on midfield bull Jai Newcombe will be crucial; he has built a reputation as a September weapon, averaging 31.5 disposals and three goals across four finals appearances. With history and high stakes in play, another chapter in this classic rivalry awaits.