The Geelong and Hawthorn rivalry will be reignited when the heavyweight duo meet in a final for the first time in nine years on Friday with a spot in the 2025 AFL decider up for grabs. The Cats have recent history on their side with six wins in their past seven matches against the Hawks, though the balance has been tipped the other way when the clubs have met in cut-throat finals over more than five decades.
The Hawks have knocked out the Cats in all four finals clashes since 1963 when there is no second chance for the loser. That streak most memorably includes the Hawks’ premiership triumphs in the all-time classic 1989 grand final and the 2008 upset-for-the-ages, both at the Cats’ expense.
