Geelong Cats Triumph in Easter Monday Classic Against Hawthorn
On April 21, 2025, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) buzzed with anticipation as 85,000 fans packed the stands for the Geelong Cats’ Easter Monday showdown against the Hawthorn Hawks. This traditional blockbuster,good games brisbane a highlight of the AFL calendar, lived up to its billing as a heart-stopping contest between two fierce rivals. The Cats, under coach Chris Scott, edged out a resurgent Hawthorn side led by Sam Mitchell,geelong game securing a seven-point victory in a match that showcased Geelong’s resilience and flair. With both teams vying for early-season momentum in 2025, this game was more than a rivalry clash—it was a statement of intent.
A Thrilling Encounter
The final scoreline—Geelong 12.14 (86) to Hawthorn 11.13 (79)—barely captures the drama of a match that swung like a pendulum. Geelong jumped to an early lead, capitalizing on their precise ball movement and forward efficiency. The Cats led for all but three minutes, building a 23-point advantage by the third quarter. However, Hawthorn, known for their fighting spirit under Mitchell, clawed back, leveling the scores in the final term. The turning point came with less than three minutes remaining when Shaun Mannagh pounced on a Josh Weddle turnover, slotting a crucial goal to restore Geelong’s lead. Despite late misses from Hawthorn’s Nick Watson and James Sicily, the Cats held firm, sealing a famous victory in front of a record home-and-away crowd for this fixture.
The game was not without controversy. A heavy hit from Hawthorn’s Conor Nash knocked out Geelong’s Gryan Miers in the third quarter,good games singles forcing the small forward out with concussion. The incident,geelong game which sparked debate about player safety, underscored the physical intensity of this storied rivalry. Meanwhile,geelong game Geelong’s ability to withstand Hawthorn’s late surge highlighted their composure under pressure, a hallmark of Scott’s tenure.
Standout Performances
Geelong’s victory was built on the backs of several standout performers. Patrick Dangerfield, the Cats’ talismanic midfielder, was a force inside 50,geelong game using his power to create scoring opportunities. His presence up forward, likened by teammate Bailey Smith to Adelaide legend Tony Modra, allowed Geelong to stretch Hawthorn’s defense. Smith himself was instrumental, breaking even in the midfield alongside Max Holmes. The former Western Bulldog, who courted headlines for a double-“bird” salute to an Adelaide fan earlier in the season, brought dynamic run-and-carry, finishing with a goal and plenty of flair.
Shaun Mannagh emerged as the hero, kicking three goals, including the match-sealing major. His poise under pressure earned praise from fans and pundits alike. Ollie Dempsey also shone, geelong game contributing 19 disposals and two goals, including a spectacular mark over Steele Sidebottom in an earlier game that carried over into his Easter Monday performance. Tyson Stengle’s last-quarter heroics further tilted the game Geelong’s way, compensating for the loss of Miers, whose piercing kicks had been a weapon before his injury.
For Hawthorn, Jack Gunston struggled with inaccuracy, hens party games a rare off-day for the premiership veteran. Despite their late rally,geelong game the Hawks’ inefficiency in frontslash;13—proved costly, as missed chances from Watson and Sicily loomed large.
Tactical Breakdown
Geelong’s game plan revolved around their hard-running midfield and precise ball use inside 50. Scott deployed Dangerfield forward to exploit mismatches, while Smith and Holmes provided the uncontested run that stretched Hawthorn’s defense. The Cats’ ability to find teammates in tight spaces,geelong game as evidenced by Miers’ early contributions, kept Hawthorn on the back foot. Defensively, Sam De Koning’s emergence as a lockdown defender neutralized Hawthorn’s mobile forwards, reinforcing his status as a prototype for modern AFL backmen.
Hawthorn, meanwhile, leaned on their stoppage dominance, a strength under Mitchell. Their pressure at the contest kept them in the game, but their inaccuracy—particularly in the final quarter—undermined their efforts. The Hawks’ inability to convert early chances allowed Geelong to build a lead that geelong game, while not insurmountable, proved just enough. The tactical battle highlighted the fine margins that define these blockbuster clashes, with Geelong’s efficiency proving the difference.
Season Context and Rivalry
This victory was a crucial early marker for Geelong in the 2025 season. Coming off a 2024 campaign where they reached the preliminary final, the Cats are determined to overcome statistical hurdles, such as their historical struggles after byes and losses while atop the ladder, as noted in a 2019 AFL.com.au analysis. The Easter Monday win, following a strong performance against Collingwood, geelong game signaled their premiership credentials. For Hawthorn, the loss was a setback but a reminder of their growth under Mitchell, having reached a semi-final in 2024.
The Geelong-Hawthorn rivalry, steeped in history, added extra spice. Geelong have won five of the last six encounters, but the Hawks’ resurgence made this clash a true test. Fans, as reflected in posts on X, celebrated the Cats’ experience, with players like Dangerfield and Mannagh stepping up when it mattered most.
A Classic for the Ages
The 2025 Easter Monday clash will be remembered as a classic, kmart games encapsulating the passion and drama of the Geelong-Hawthorn rivalry. For the Cats, it was a testament to their ability to thrive in high-stakes moments, blending veteran nous with emerging talent. As the 2025 season unfolds, this victory will serve as a foundation for Geelong’s premiership aspirations, while Hawthorn will regroup,geelong game knowing they pushed a powerhouse to the brink. At the MCG, under the autumn sun, the Cats proved once again why they remain a force in the AFL.
