Jonathan Horn reports on Patrick Dangerfield’s inspirational performance and Geelong booking their place in the 2025 AFL grand final. Thanks a lot for following along, we’ll be back tomorrow to find out whether they will face Collingwood or Brisbane.
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Patrick Dangerfield has achieved almost everything in the game. A premiership with the Cats in 2022, a Brownlow medal in his first season with his second club in 2016, and eight All-Australian blazers between 2012 and 2020. But the 35-year-old is yet to lead a side to the promised land as captain of a premiership side. He went a long way to doing just that this evening against the Hawks with an incredible preliminary final performance.
Dangerfield turned back the clock to take control of the stoppages and regularly give the Cats territory advantage with six centre clearances. His masterclass ended with 32 disposals, eight clearances, three goals and surely best afield honours in one of the all-time great finals performances.
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Bailey Smith is understandably pretty pleased with his move to Geelong for this season and has nothing but positive things to say about Patrick Dangerfield after the Cats skipper pulled out a stunning finals performance to lead his side to another grand final.
I’m grateful to be here, but I mean… I set myself high expectations. The job is not finished, I’m already raring for next week. Grateful to be through but we expected it of ourselves, but also the team.
[Dangerfield] has been the best for me. He is a leader, accomplished everything in the game and still takes time out of his day to look after me through some dark periods throughout the year. I’ll never forget it, forever in debt to him. Couldn’t think of anyone better to lead us to a granny, hopefully we can take it home.
Max Holmes is through to a grand final after suffering the heartbreak of missing out on the premiership a few years ago and then going down in the preliminary final last year. The Cats midfielder is talking to Channel Seven alongside running mate Bailey Smith.
I’m ecstatic, that was amazing, such a good win. It was a bit sketchy for a little bit, but we have had a good year. We knew what we needed to do to fight back. I’m absolutely stoked.
He [Patrick Dangerfield] is amazing, absolutely love playing with him. He wound the clock back tonight, he enjoys finals. I didn’t realise he had 32 disposals though, that’s unbelievable. I just love playing with him.
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Full-time: Geelong 17.13.115 - Hawthorn 13.7.85
Geelong are through to their third AFL grand final in six seasons with a 30-point victory over Hawthorn. But the win has come at a cost with gun defender Tom Stewart subbed out of the game at the first break with concussion and now set to miss the next decider against Collingwood or Brisbane next Saturday.
The Hawks opened up a promising lead twice in the early exchanges but were unable to pile enough pressure on the Cats before they gradually got the game back on their own terms. Patrick Dangerfield helped turn the contest with a powerful performance across all parts of the field and a masterclass at stoppages. The Cats skipper finished with 32 disposals, eight clearances and three goals, while Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle also booted three majors. Bailey Smith finished with a game-high 36 disposals and Max Holmes (25) was influential after a slow start.
Mitch Lewis was lively early with three early goals and Jack Gunston capped off a fine season with the just as many. But the Cats had all the answers to the Hawks finals weapons with Jai Newcombe restricted to 20 disposals and dangerman Josh Weddle barely sighted until the dying stages.
THE CATS ARE THROUGH TO THE 2025 TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL!!!#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/Y4hUopTf32
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2025
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Q4: 1 min remaining: Geelong 17.13.115 - Hawthorn 13.7.85
The Cats are managing this perfectly as the Hawks finally accept the comeback is now out of reach.
Q4: 4 mins remaining: Geelong 17.13.115 - Hawthorn 13.7.85
Both sides have found the ball handling difficult since the rain has started to fall but Bailey Smith shows the benefit of clean hands. The tireless midfielder boots his first of the night but he has already been one of the best afield.
Q4: 6 mins remaining: Geelong 16.13.109 - Hawthorn 13.7.85
Tyson Stengle goals off the ground from the top of the goals square and that should settle the nerves.
Q4: 7 mins remaining: Geelong 15.13.103 - Hawthorn 13.7.85
Mabior Chol makes it three in a row for the Hawks with a strong mark and goal. There is still time for Hawthorn as Geelong slow to a crawl!
Q4: 9 mins remaining: Geelong 15.13.103 - Hawthorn 12.7.79
The Cats respond as Tom Atkins does the hard yards in close again and Jeremy Cameron lines up to put the game to bed. But as heavy rain falls the key forward slips and hooks his shot through for a behind.
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Q4: 10 mins remaining: Geelong 15.12.102 - Hawthorn 12.7.79
Two in a minute for the Hawks as Jack Gunston wraps up a tackle deep in the forward pocket and quickly snaps through his third. The Hawks couldn’t, could they?!?
Q4: 11 mins remaining: Geelong 15.12.102 - Hawthorn 11.7.73
Dylan Moore finds a goal out of nothing as he is grabbed high but gets a kick away. The ball might have come back for the set shot but it bounces though to give the Hawks a glimmer of hope.
Q4: 13 mins remaining: Geelong 15.12.102 - Hawthorn 10.7.67
The Hawks are bravely fighting this out but are unable to find a way through the Cats defence as the clock becomes their enemy. James Sicily has been thrown forward. The crowd is 99,597 – a modern-day preliminary final record.
Q4: 15 mins remaining: Geelong 15.12.102 - Hawthorn 10.7.67
Party time for the Cats as Gryan Miers boots his first and his side has one foot firmly planted in the grand final.
Q4: 16 mins remaining: Geelong 14.12.96 - Hawthorn 10.7.67
Stoppage after stoppage in the Cats forward half and it is no surprise to see Patrick Dangerfield charge out of a pack. The Cats skipper throws a snap off his right boot for his third goal. This has been one of the great finals performances.
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Q4: 17 mins remaining: Geelong 13.12.90 - Hawthorn 10.7.67
Nick Watson starts the term lining up at half-back as the Hawks grasp around for a spark. The small forward is no match for Brad Close in the air but the Cat had left his kicking boots at home. Rain is starting to fall.
Q4: 19 mins remaining: Geelong 13.11.89 - Hawthorn 10.7.67
Jack Gunston gives Hawthorn the start they so desperately needed as Geelong fail to close up the leading lane. The veteran marks and goals from a tricky set shot and there is still life left in this preliminary final yet.
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The Hawks have built much of their finals success through periods of dominance at stoppage as Jai Newcombe has led the way. But with Tom Atkins clamping down on Newcombe, and James Worpel and Conor Nash only able to add so much support, the Cats have outmuscled their rivals.
Patrick Dangerfield has been immense with 24 disposals and a game-high seven clearances that have set the tone and put the Cats in command. Bailey Smith is adding plenty of run and Max Holmes looks dangerous whenever the ball is in his hands.
The players are ready with Sam Mitchell throwing the magnets around as he searches for a way to drag the Hawks back into the contest.
3QT: Geelong 13.11.89 - Hawthorn 9.7.61
Brad Close might have given Geelong a commanding lead going into the last change but his simple shot from 40m out and all but directly in front barely registers a behind. The Hawks still have all the work to do as they trail by effectively five goals with 30 minutes to play.
Q3: 1 min remaining: Geelong 13.10.88 - Hawthorn 9.7.61
Jhye Clark misses a switch at half-back and in a flash the ball is with Jack Gunston on the lead. The veteran hooks the shot and Clark breathes a sigh of relief.
Q3: 2 mins remaining: Geelong 13.10.88 - Hawthorn 9.6.60
Shaun Mannagh pulls out a special finish while at top speed on the run for 40m out and on a tight angle. That’s a huge blow for the Hawks on the brink of the last change. But it’s not like we haven’t seen this movie before.
Q3: 3 mins remaining: Geelong 12.10.82 - Hawthorn 9.6.60
The Cats win the ball from a stoppage on their forward flank and Jeremy Cameron boots his third on the run. They might just have weathered the storm of the Hawks’ pressure and three goals in a row.
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Q3: 3 mins remaining: Geelong 11.10.76 - Hawthorn 9.6.60
The closest this game has gone to a moment of calm as there are a string of stoppages between the arcs. That works better for the Cats than the Hawks with three-quarter time in sight.
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Q3: 5 mins remaining: Geelong 11.10.76 - Hawthorn 9.6.60
Mabior Chol has an opportunity to reduce the margin before the last change but overkicks and sprays the shot. The Hawks are unable to lock the ball forward and again the Cats clear.
Q3: 7 mins remaining: Geelong 11.10.76 - Hawthorn 9.6.60
A scramble in the goal mouth isn’t cleared by Josh Weddle who has had a frankly poor night. A rushed behind eases the danger but the Cats have locked the ball forward again. The pressure finally tells as Patrick Dangerfield hits a hail Mary from the boundary and somehow sets up a Jack Martin goal.
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Q3: 9 mins remaining: Geelong 10.9.69 - Hawthorn 9.6.60
The Cats are having to worker harder for their forward 50 entries again as the Hawks regain their footing at the coalface. Ollie Dempsey snaps a shot at goal but doesn’t get under it enough as he mis-times the kick. Jarman Impey makes him pay at the other end as he gathers a ground ball and snaps his own shot through at top speed.
Q3: 11 mins remaining: Geelong 10.8.68 - Hawthorn 8.6.54
Two in quick succession against the run of play and the Hawks are back in this. A centre clearance helps get them going the right way and Jarman Impey to find Connor Macdonald within range.
Two in a row to get the Hawks back in it 👀#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/BzNYtJYRjy
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2025
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Q3: 12 mins remaining: Geelong 10.8.68 - Hawthorn 7.6.48
This game is getting away from the Hawks and coach Sam Mitchell turns to sub Changkuoth Jiath to add some run and creativity in place of Sam Butler.
Q3: 13 mins remaining: Geelong 10.8.68 - Hawthorn 7.6.48
Jack Gunston outmuscles Jack Henry on the lead and goals from in front of 30m out and directly in front. The Hawks need to use that to gain some momentum.
Q3: 14 mins remaining: Geelong 10.8.68 - Hawthorn 6.6.42
Jeremy Cameron boots another and the Cats are on the brink of blowing away the Hawks. Hawthorn brought all the intensity early but it is now Geelong turning up the pressure. Gryan Miers chases down James Worpel then sends a dart into space in the forward 50. Cameron marks and plays on quickly to snap a goal and open up a game-high lead.
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Q3: 15 mins remaining: Geelong 9.8.62 - Hawthorn 6.6.42
Max Holmes snaps another and the Cats are away. A stoppage in the Geelong forward pocket and their dominance at stoppage continues. A break away from the contest ends with Holmes charging away and no one is going to stop the speedster at that point.
Holmes adds another and the Cats can't be stopped 🔥#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/6cnCyVtxIQ
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2025
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Q3: 17 mins remaining: Geelong 8.7.55 - Hawthorn 6.6.42
Patrick Dangerfield boots his second with a right-foot snap. That was Tom Atkins’ goal though, as he harassed Tom Barrass to win the ball back for the Cats and get it out to his skipper within range. Dangerfield is having some night though, as he turns back the clock to tear the Hawks apart whether at the centre bounce or closer to goal.
Q3: 19 mins remaining: Geelong 7.7.49 - Hawthorn 6.6.42
The Cats are off to a flying start and they have three goals in a row either side of the main break. Patrick Dangerfield wins the centre clearance and after a scrap at ground level a Gryan Miers tumbler ends up with Tyson Stengle. The small forward steps one way, then the other to open up the seas in front of him and snap his second of the game.
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As if this game needs any more drama the strong winds are set to bring a storm to the MCG just as the players line up to begin the second half.
In a devastating end to his career, Hawthorn veteran Luke Breust suffered a serious knee injury while playing in the VFL last weekend. The forward retires with 308 games for the Hawks.
Some scenes from the first half at the MCG.
A tense battle is fitting of the occasion and the renewal of Hawthorn and Geelong’s rivalry on a finals stage. The Hawks twice pulled away to threatening leads as they cut off the Cats’ forward thrusts and were more efficient when they went near goal. But the Cats fought back twice as they took command around the contests and started to learn from their earlier mistakes moving the ball into the forward 50m.
Mitch Lewis has been a standout with strong marks and three goals, while Nick Watson booted a scorching snap from deep in the forward pocket. Max Holmes has been a key to the best work by the Cats and it is no surprise that Patrick Dangerfield has several times taken matters into his own hands.
The Cats will head into the break happier after wresting back the momentum and getting the game back on their terms. But with Tom Stewart subbed out after a head knock and the barest of margins separating the teams, this has all the hallmarks of yet another Geelong and Hawthorn classic.
HT: Geelong 6.7.43 - Hawthorn 6.6.42
Geelong finish the half full of running and keep peppering their forward 50. A streak of three behinds is enough to give the Cats the lead for the first time in the game and they take that into the main break.
Q2: 1 min remaining: Geelong 6.6.42 - Hawthorn 6.6.42
The Hawks are finding their escape routes are closed down as the Cats cause a hurried kick and a turnover at half-back. Patrick Dangerfield marks on the lead and quickly hands off to Jeremy Cameron to take a shot that is rushed through for a behind. Ollie Dempsey tries to dribble through another but the bounce is unkind and scores are level.
Q2: 3 mins remaining: Geelong 6.4.40 - Hawthorn 6.6.42
Tyson Stengle kicks his first and the Cats are right back in it. Patient ball movement opens up the Hawks through the centre square, then the Cats have numbers around the ball and two of the slickest handballs you will see find Stengle making space away from the pack. This margin is much more like what we have come to know and love between these two sides.
Ollie Dempsey sets up Stengle with the overhead handball 😮💨#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/ghGyUQvvpr
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2025
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Q2: 5 mins remaining: Geelong 5.4.34 - Hawthorn 6.6.42
The Cats have been able to carry the ball from half-back to their forward 50 more since Max Holmes’ move to defence. Jack Martin gets hands on the ball for the first time with a mark just inside the arc but his shot always looks like a behind.
Q2: 7 mins remaining: Geelong 5.3.33 - Hawthorn 6.6.42
Jeremy Cameron has hardly been sighted in part due to the Cats poor forward 50 entries. The key forward changes that with a strong pack mark just inside the boundary and nails the shot from his trademark spot.
Jezza's on the board 😻#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/NawzNFLyOB
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2025
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Q2: 9 mins remaining: Geelong 4.3.27 - Hawthorn 6.6.42
Jack Gunston marks in the goalsquare but the umpire’s whistle has already blown for a hold on Jack Henry that was barely, at the most, there. Just moments later, the Wizard conjures up something special, after sharking the ball off a pack and snapping a left-foot shot through while running towards the boundary. That’s a team-lifter!
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Q2: 11 mins remaining: Geelong 4.3.27 - Hawthorn 5.6.36
Shaun Mannagh hits the scoreboard for the first time after a short kick finds the Cats forward in plenty of space and within range. The Cats have been much better at lowering the eyes as they enter the forward 50 since the break.
Q2: 12 mins remaining: Geelong 3.3.21 - Hawthorn 5.6.36
Mitch Lewis has a third! A quick transition with numbers charging through the middle gets the ball to the key forward on the lead. Lewis’s bomb from well outside 50m takes the Hawks back out to a handy lead.
Another one from outside 50 for Mitch Lewis.
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2025
He's got three in the first half 🌟#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/EiV9x7mjyd
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Q2: 14 mins remaining: Geelong 3.3.21 - Hawthorn 4.6.30
The Cats turn the ball over with a messy kick at their half-forward line and the Hawks go end-to-end. Jack Gunston has a shot from 50m on the left but it falls short and into Mitch Lewis’ arms in the square. The key forward has two goals.
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Q2: 15 mins remaining: Geelong 3.3.21 - Hawthorn 3.6.24
Max Holmes is carving up the Hawks after moving to half-back at the break. The speedster launches another attack that eventually delivers the ball into Bailey Smith’s hands in the forward 50, as an ugly left-foot snap finds Mark Blicavs to goal on the run. Game on!
Q2: 16 mins remaining: Geelong 2.3.15 - Hawthorn 3.6.24
Shannon Neale settles the nerves with strong mark and reliable set shot. The young key forward took a powerful pack mark when his skipper earned a free kick to boot the Cats opener. This time there is no taking the shot away from him and with a textbook technique he nails the set shot.
Shannon Neale takes the strong grab and nails it 💪@VirginAustralia | #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/RWyfCKi5jo
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2025
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Q2: 17 mins remaining: Geelong 1.3.9 - Hawthorn 3.6.24
The evergreen Jack Gunston marks on the lead 40m out but hard up against the boundary. The 33-year-old is in the form to justify taking the shot but it sails across the face for a behind.
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Q2: 19 mins remaining: Geelong 1.3.9 - Hawthorn 3.4.22
Conor Nash picks up where he left off as he chases down Patrick Dangerfield just as the Cats captain is bursting away. Dangerfield gets a handball away in time.
The second term gets under way with Jhye Clark subbed into the game at the expense of Cats defender Tom Stewart.
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The Hawks unsung heroes have done much of the damage early with Conor Nash (10 disposals, one goal), Dylan Moore (9) and Karl Amon (8) finding plenty of the ball. James Sicily was critical to shutting down multiple Cats attacks with his intercept marking though undid some of his good work when giving away a free kick to Patrick Dangerfield.
Bailey Smith (9) and Tom Atkins (8) worked their way into the game, but the Cats are more concerned right now with Tom Stewart being subbed out of the game after being brought to ground heavily in a Mabior Chol tackle.
QT: Geelong 1.3.9 - Hawthorn 3.4.22
Patrick Dangerfield rips the ball out of a pack and handballs to Gryan Miers to take a shot on the cusp of the siren. His hurried kick bounces wide and the Hawks just hold on to their handy lead at the first change.
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Q1: 1 min remaining: Geelong 1.2.8 - Hawthorn 3.4.22
Tom Stewart gathers the ball off the deck barely outside the goalsquare and is brought to ground heavily in a Mabior Chol tackle just he gets a handball away. Stewart grabs at his wrist but might have also hit his head on the turf and runs from the ground to be assessed. It goes without saying that the Cats can ill afford to lose Stewart especially while they’re on the ropes early.
Patrick Dangerfield boots the Cats first after a huge and unnecessary shove from opposing captain James Sicily just 20m from goal. Geelong rush the ball forward from the centre bounce but Brad Close hooks the snap from close range.
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Q1: 3 mins remaining: Geelong 0.1.1 - Hawthorn 3.4.22
The Cats are still trying to get the game on their terms but keep paying a high price for sloppy possession when moving into the forward half.
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Q1: 5 mins remaining: Geelong 0.1.1 - Hawthorn 3.3.21
Dylan Moore has been the Hawks’ primary creative outlet and he finds Conor Nash with a dinky kick into the forward 50. Nash nails the shot and the Hawks have jumped the Cats. Jack Henry is warming up to return just in time to help limit the damage.
The Hawks have the first three 🔥#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/zrNRj2Qurb
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2025
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Q1: 7 mins remaining: Geelong 0.1.1 - Hawthorn 2.3.15
Josh Weddle streams forward along the wing and picks up three possessions in one play. The Hawks winger lets fly from 60m out and clears the pack but his shot crashes into the post. Hawthorn have five scores from six inside 50s while Geelong are having trouble finding targets in their forward half.
Q1: 9 mins remaining: Geelong 0.1.1 - Hawthorn 2.2.14
Little is going right for the Cats with Jack Henry now being helped from the field. The defender lands awkwardly while touching Nash’s shot at goal. The Cats are still struggling to find an avenue to goal with James Sicily intercepting a long, hopeful kick for his game-high seventh disposal.
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Q1: 11 mins remaining: Geelong 0.1.1 - Hawthorn 2.2.14
Jack Ginnivan snaps the Hawks second after intense pressure deep in the forward pockets forces a hurried grubber from Oisin Mullin. The Hawks efficiency near goal has been the difference so far. Conor Nash wraps Mullin up in a tackle to earn a free kick but his left-foot snap from long range is rushed through for a behind.
Ginni on the left 😎@Coles | #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/AZGoOWMg7T
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2025
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Q1: 13 mins remaining: Geelong 0.1.1 - Hawthorn 1.1.7
Max Holmes dribbles a shot off the outside of his boot from the boundary line but a pair of Hawks defenders prevent Ollie Dempsey volleying it through from less than a metre out. The Cats have had 7-3 inside 50s but the Hawks have shown this finals series that they can withstand a flurry of attacks. Mitch Lewis has a second set shot but slightly slices his kick.
Q1: 15 mins remaining: Geelong 0.0.0 - Hawthorn 1.0.6
Patrick Dangerfield is in the centre bounce and gets the ball back to ruck Mark Blicavs to bomb forward. Bailey Smith gets his hands on the ball for the first time and pops a kick into the goal square that the Hawks eventually clear from their defensive 50 after a couple of failed attempts. Cats controlling much of the territory early.
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Q1: 17 mins remaining: Geelong 0.0.0 - Hawthorn 1.0.6
The Cats lock the ball forward and Tom Atkins is busy early. The midfielder has the first opportunity within range of goal but only half-heartedly takes the shot. The Hawks gather in the goalsquare and launch a transition that ends with a mark to Mitch Lewis just inside the 50m arc. The key forward had little impact in teh semi-final against the Crows but gives the Hawks the best possible start at the MCG.
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Q1: 19 mins remaining: Geelong 0.0.0 - Hawthorn 0.0.0
Tom Atkins lines up on Jai Newcombe at the opening bounce and gets the first centre clearance. But the rugged Cats onballer kicks it straight down James Sicily’s throat. Ollie Dempsey and Josh Weddle start on opposite wings but hopefully that’s a head=to-head matchup we see throughout the game.
First bounce
Geelong’s Mark Blicavs and Hawthorn’s Lloyd Meek leap for the ball as the rivalry returns and the preliminary final begins at the MCG.
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The Welcome to Country and national anthem are complete. The players on both sides launch into a couple more run throughs no doubt to loosen the mind as much as their limbs at this stage.
Geelong are in premiership contention yet again. As they have been for almost all of the past 19 seasons. They have as much interest in mid-ladder mediocrity as in bottoming out to rebuild. They have become a destination club for players looking to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Victoria’s capital city. An escape from the most intense glare of the local football media. Their door is always open for young guns seeking to return to the region after being drafted out of the hotbed of talent for an early stint interstate.
Yet for all that Geelong have achieved across their period of sustained success that defies the AFL’s aims for equalisation, and with the promise of much more to come, one club continues to haunt the Cats more than any other.
Geelong and Hawthorn are each within touching distance of a grand final with well-balanced sides packed with forward firepower, backlines that blend defence and attack, and midfields stacked with talent and workhorses.
The Cats take more marks inside 50 than any other side at an average 16.2 a game, and have a wealth of finals experience as well as a playing list in rude health. The Hawks have found a strength at centre clearances that can break finals open with onballer Jai Newcombe leading the way, and have momentum behind them after back-to-back wins on the road.
Here is where the game will be won – and lost.
Geelong have put an unenviable period of heartache behind them that included four grand final defeats in seven seasons to become a powerhouse of the game. Four premierships in the past 18 seasons – and two wins away from adding a fifth this year – will do that to you.
Dean Sherr remembers his grandfather living through the entirety of the Cats’ 44-year premiership drought while appreciating that, for himself, “to follow Geelong in these times is a privilege”.
In these uncertain times of global instability, rising extremism, war and violence, sport is as important an escape as ever. For my grandfather, that escape carried more disappointment than fulfilment. For me, it has become the opposite – reliable salvation from the horrors of the world and the pitfalls of everyday life. As we live out this fantastical sporting ride, I wonder what he might have made of the last two decades.
This is how the Cats and Hawks ended up at the MCG for this preliminary final.
Hawthorn have had to do it the hard way after missing out on a top-four spot with a defeat in the last round to Brisbane. But the Hawks have since won back-to-back finals on the road when stunning GWS Giants in an elimination final, and then knocking out Adelaide with a hugely impressive performance in their semi-final against the minor premiers.
Geelong spent six rounds on the run home fine-tuning for finals against teams already out of contention then quickly laid down a marker once the finals began with a resounding victory over the Lions. The Cats have enjoyed a weekend off which means they have only played one game in the past 27 days, but with their wealth of experience in reaching this stage of the campaign I suspect they might have their preparation down pat.
Preliminary final week lands with both games at the MCG for just the second time since 2011 and with the past three premiers still involved – as well as a club with a rich history and all the momentum, belief and history on their side.
Jonathan Horn is at the MCG tonight to cover the first preliminary final between Geelong and Hawthorn, and pointed out earlier this week that we have got to this point of the season with the four best teams of the year – and arguably the four best clubs of the century – remaining.
In the most lopsided, compromised and incomprehensible home and away fixture anyone could conjure up, we have still landed with the four best teams. It includes the past three premiers, as well as a club with all the momentum, all the belief and all the history on their side.
Here is how Geelong and Hawthorn have been named.
GEELONG
B: Connor O’Sullivan, Sam De Koning, Jack Henry
HB: Mark O’Connor, Tom Stewart, Zach Guthrie
C: Jack Bowes, Max Holmes, Oliver Dempsey
HF: Tyson Stengle, Shaun Mannagh, Brad Close
F: Shannon Neale, Jeremy Cameron, Patrick Dangerfield
FOLL: Mark Blicavs, Bailey Smith, Tom Atkins
I/C: Lawson Humphries, Jack Martin, Gryan Miers, Oisin Mullin
Sub: Jhye Clark
HAWTHORN
B: Josh Battle, Tom Barrass, Blake Hardwick
HB: Jarman Impey, James Sicily, Massimo D’Ambrosio
C: Karl Amon, Josh Ward, Dylan Moore
HF: Josh Weddle, Mabior Chol, Nick Watson
F: Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis, Connor Macdonald
FOLL: Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash
I/C: Jack Scrimshaw, James Worpel, Jack Ginnivan, Sam Butler
Sub: Changkuoth Jiath
Final teams
Teams are in with no further changes.
Geelong name Jhye Clark as their sub just as he was against Brisbane a couple of weeks ago. Changkuoth Jiath also reprises his role as Hawthorn’s 23rd player after starting as the sub in their past two finals.
The Cats have resisted the urge to rush Rhys Stanley back from injury with Mark Blicavs and Sam De Koning proving more than capable in the ruck against the Lions.
The Hawks back Mitch Lewis to have a greater impact after underwhelming during the win over the Crows. The luckless key forward was subbed out of the semi-final during the third term after going scoreless and only gathering four disposals. But when Jack Gunston is arguably in the form of his life and the rest of the forward group is settled, it makes sense to stick with the three-tall set up that has been working so well.
No late changes for tonight's preliminary final.
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2025
Substitutes:@GeelongCats - Jhye Clark@HawthornFC - Changkuoth Jiath#AFLFinals
Preamble
Hello and welcome to live coverage of the AFL preliminary final between Geelong and Hawthorn at the MCG. We are all but assured of a match to remember given what these two sides have regularly dished up when facing each other over the past two decades. But an all-time shock grand final result, goals and behinds kicked after the siren to win games, the “Kennett Curse”, and a shot sprayed wide that cost the Hawks the game the last time they took on the Cats in a final are all in the past. This match is all about the future and earning a spot in the 2025 grand final against Collingwood or Brisbane.
The Cats are rightly the favourites after putting together a six-match winning streak to finish off their home and away campaign, then extending that with a masterful display against the Lions in their qualifying final. But no Geelong supporter will be pleased with again meeting Hawthorn in a final, especially when there are no second chances. The Hawks have won all four cut-throat finals between the sides since the Cats took out the first of their three grand finals way back in 1963.
The Hawks return to the preliminary final stage for the first time in a decade and since they completed their premiership three-peat in 2015. Hawthorn might have finished in eighth place this year but have since shown they have the personnel and game plan built for finals as they outgunned GWS Giants and dismantled Adelaide for back-to-back wins on the road. Back at the MCG, the Hawks will like their chances against a Cats outfit that they pushed all the way in their only other meeting this year on Easter Monday.
First bounce will be at 7.40pm local time / AEST. Team news will be coming shortly. Meanwhile, let us know your thoughts and predictions – shoot me an email or find me @martinpegan on Bluesky or X. Let’s get into it!
