Hawthorn and Geelong will once again do battle in the traditional Easter Monday clash at the MCG in Round 6.

This is also the fourth annual Dare to Hope match, raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer.

The Hawks have started their season at 4-1, while the Cats are 3-2 following their first five games of the season.

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

WHO: Geelong v Hawthorn
WHAT: Round 6
WHERE: MCG
WHEN: Monday 21 April
TIME: 3.20pm AEST
BROADCAST: Channel 7 and Fox Footy/Kayo


How to watch

Following along at home? The game will be broadcast free to air on Channel 7 and also on 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 (59) defeated by Geelong Cats (110) in Round 17, 2024.  

Hawthorn suffered a 51-point defeat in its last clash with the Cats at GMHBA Stadium.

James Worpel broke through for the Hawks' first goal in the last minute of the quarter, after the Cats had all the action in their forward end. Then Lewis – via a speedy Nick Watson steal – opened the second term to start to build the first hints of momentum.

The Hawks’ intensity lifted in the third term, particularly around the contest. Worpel and Will Day worked hard all match, with Lloyd Meek well and truly in control of the hitouts with 47 at games end.

Lewis, Dylan Moore and Mabior Chol finished with two goals each, Moore and Worpel ending the game with an equal game-high 26 disposals and the latter collecting a game-high seven clearances.

 

What's On

This year’s Dare to Hope match will feature The Gut Run, with a relay team made up of former sporting greats and celebrity guests such as Isaac Smith and Jordan Lewis, attempting to break the 400-metre world record of 43.03 seconds.

The fundraising activation will take place from 2.50pm around the MCG, prior to the first bounce in the Hawks v Cats clash. Each donation will allow the team to ‘jump the gun’ and move their starting point closer to the finish line.

Donations to help jump the gun against pancreatic cancer can be made HERE.

MCG Inclusion Project

The Inclusion Project is proudly partnering with the Hawthorn Football Club to assist with making the match-day experience more accessible for those living with hidden disabilities.

We will be operating a Sensory Room supported by an Occupational Therapist who will be available to assist fans as needed in the space.

We will also have our Inclusion Project Officers at main entrances to assist if you require during the match.

If you have any questions or assistance head to Gate 3 and look for our Inclusion Project Officers.

MCG Inclusion spaces

  • Changing Places bathroom (Level 1, Gate 3 - Olympic Stand)
  • Parent Rooms (Level 1)
  • All Gender Bathroom (Level B1, Gate 1 - Ponsford Stand)
  • 'G Train Mobility Buggy Service
  • Sensory Room (Located within the Australian Sports Museum, Gate 3)
  • Multi Faith Prayer Room (Level B1, behind M13)


100 years of Hawthorn v Geelong  

  • The Easter Monday game was once played on a Tuesday, in 2011 when Easter Monday fell on Anzac Day.
  • In their first meeting after the classic 1989 Grand Final, Hawthorn defeated Geelong by 115 points.
  • Hawthorn has had three one-point wins against Geelong, its most against any opponent.
  • Between 1995 and 1999, Hawthorn won four away games against Geelong by margins of a goal or less.
  • Hawthorn has won four Finals against Geelong by single figure margins.

 

Tickets and Membership

General Public tickets for this match are sold out. Members with General Admission access will still be able to scan into the game with their physical or digital membership cards (subject to capacity).

Getting to the game 

Please plan ahead and arrive as early as possible. Enhanced security measures will be in place at the MCG, which may increase wait times. We recommend members and fans arrive early to avoid long queues and ensure access ahead of the first bounce.

Also a reminder to be mindful of what is in your bag, ensure bags are small and items carried meet the conditions of entry https://www.mcg.org.au/the-stadium/visitor-information/conditions-of-entry

There are plenty of public transport options to get to the MCG.

By train

There are two train stations close to the MCG - Jolimont and Richmond.

Jolimont Station is north of the ground and offers a five-minute stroll through Yarra Park to the gates to the ground. View

Richmond Station is on the south-eastern side of the MCG. It's a slightly longer walk to the ground, past the Punt Road Oval to the Shane Warne Stand side.

  • Buses replace trains on the Belgrave, Lilydale and Alamein lines between Parliament and Camberwell stations from 8:30pm until the last train each night Sunday 20 April to Wed 23 April.
  • Buses replace trains on the Glen Waverley Line between Richmond and Glen Waverley stations from 8:30pm until the last train each night Sunday 20 April to Wed 23 April.

By tram

Three tram routes provide access to the MCG.

The No. 70 tram (Docklands/City-Wattle Park) is the closest tram stop to the ground, travelling from Flinders Street and detouring via Melbourne Park. The tram stop is a short walk across the footbridge to the ground.

Stopping on Wellington Road just north of the MCG, the No. 75 tram (City-Vermont South) travels from Flinders St, and the No. 48 (Docklands/City-North Balwyn) travels from Collins Street, both connecting the city and eastern suburbs.

Road Disruptions: 

  • Flinders Street (eastbound) is closed between Elizabeth and Swanston streets – something to keep in mind for those heading through the city.