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The only two undefeated teams are set to meet in an Easter Monday blockbuster when the Geelong Cats host bitter rivals the Hawthorn Hawks at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores coverage from 3:20pm (AEST).
The last time these two teams met it was to get into a grand final. Hawthorn had all the pressure of the ‘Kennett curse’ and outrageous favouritism, but they managed to overcome it and the rest, as they say, is history.
Games between these sides have been epic encounters with Geelong winning all but the last game since their 2008 Grand Final. The largest margin between the two sides in the last five matches has been just 10 points, with last year’s Preliminary Final decided by a mere 5 points.
As mentioned, before both sides come into this game undefeated and off the back of some terrific form. Hawthorn showed last week why they are premiership favourites with a clinical 99 point drubbing of the Gold Coast Suns.
Geelong’s effort against West Coast was just as impressive as they kept the Eagles goalless after half time, and ran away with a 75 point win at home in Geelong.
On the injury front Liam Shiels looks set to miss this match, but a host of Hawthorn stars are ready to make their return from injury.
Anyone of Ben McEvoy, Ryan Shoenmakers, Brian Lake and Ben Stratton could make their return against Geelong, and with Tom Hawkins finding form and Hamish McIntosh, Dawson Simpson and Mark Blicavs also spending time forward, more tall defenders will be required for Hawthorn this week to give Josh Gibson and Kyle Cheney a chop out in defence.
Key match-up: Geelong’s defence vs Hawthorn’s attack
Probably the most vital match up of the game. Geelong showed last week that their defence could be rated as the best in the competition when they were able to shut down a dangerous Eagles forward line.
They’re this week up against probably the best forward line in Hawthorn this week, who have showed their ability to score goals outside of their big forwards in Gunston and Roughead this year.
Both will need to be at their best if their side is going to come away with the win.
Three Quick Facts:
1. Despite the loss of Lance Franklin, Hawthorn has increased its scoring this season. Last year the Hawks averaged 112 points per game. So far this season they’re averaging 128 points per game.
2. There have been 19 games between these clubs at the MCG, including six finals. Geelong has won 14, Hawthorn five.
3. The Cats are ranked second for marks inside 50, with a total of 62, while Hawthorn is third with 53.
Last Five Times:
Preliminary Final, 2013: Hawthorn 14.18 (102) d Geelong 15.7 (97) at the MCG
Round 15, 2013: Geelong 11.16 (82) d Hawthorn 10.12 (72) at the MCG
Round 1, 2013: Geelong 13.15 (93) d Hawthorn 12.14 (86) at the MCG
Round 19, 2012: Geelong 18.10 (118) d Hawthorn 17.14 (116) at the MCG
Round 2, 2012: Geelong 14.8 (92) d Hawthorn 13.12 (90) at the MCG
Prediction:
I absolutely can’t split these teams, they are both excellent in their own way. My tips on these blogs have been a kiss of death for the side I have tipped so I’m not going to jinx either. I will say one thing and that is this match will be another epic encounter between two massive rivals.
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