Geelong and Hawthorn will renew their storied rivalry in a preliminary final for the first time in nine years on Friday, with a place in the 2025 AFL grand final at stake. The Cats enter the match in formidable form, having won seven consecutive games by an average of 55 points, including a qualifying final thrashing of the Lions. Hawthorn, meanwhile, carry momentum from back-to-back interstate knockout wins, setting up a clash between two sides at opposite ends of the experience spectrum.
History favours Hawthorn when the stakes are highest — the Hawks have eliminated the Cats in all four finals meetings since 1963, most notably the 1989 grand final and the 2008 upset. However, Geelong have dominated recent regular-season encounters, winning six of the past seven contests. The Cats' ability to control inside-50 entries — averaging a league-high 16.2 marks inside 50 per game — will be tested by a Hawthorn defence featuring Josh Battle, Tom Barrass and James Sicily, which has conceded the fewest such marks in the competition.
Geelong's wealth of finals experience is underlined by their 14th preliminary final appearance in 19 seasons, a feat that reflects the sustained success under coach Chris Scott. The Cats are in near-perfect health, but concerns linger over their lack of recent match practice, with Friday representing just their second game in 27 days. Hawthorn, by contrast, have thrived under pressure, with Jai Newcombe dominating centre clearances in their semi-final win over the Crows.
Key individuals will shape the outcome. Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith, who apologised after a training-ground incident last week, has averaged a career-high 31.2 disposals and is known for rising to big occasions. For Hawthorn, veteran forward Jack Gunston will be crucial after being rested late in the semi-final. The contrast in styles — Hawthorn's handball-heavy run versus Geelong's tall marking targets — adds further intrigue to what promises to be a captivating contest.
