The AFL’s best modern-day rivalry has been left smouldering for a decade. The flames might flicker whenever Geelong and Hawthorn meet. They threaten to take hold each Easter Monday. But the fear and loathing will return in full when the fuel of a preliminary final is poured on the Cats and Hawks clash on Friday night.
Geelong have largely had the better of their old foes since Hawthorn completed their premiership three-peat in 2015. They have won 11 of their 15 meetings since then – and each of the past four. The Cats, admittedly, have that sort of record against most sides during that period, helping them put to bed their reputation for always being the bridesmaid.
