Geelong and Hawthorn will renew their famous rivalry in a blockbuster preliminary final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday night. It’s the first time since 2013 that the two teams will meet in a preliminary final. The stakes couldn’t be higher either, since the victor between the two is guaranteed a place in the Grand Final. The match is scheduled to commence at 7:40 PM AEST, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike.
This intense rivalry is often referred to as one of the best in sports for its historical passionate and fierce competition. Over the past several decades, the two teams have often met in important contests. Each team has some impressive wins over the other. This initial final, potentially, will be very important. It will determine which of them advances to the Grand Final and continue to pen yet another chapter in their deeply woven history.
Recent Encounters Highlight Intensity
The Geelong-Hawthorn rivalry has delivered some of the most nail biting games in history. In that year’s Grand Final, Hawthorn won in a canter, beating cross-town rivals Geelong 18.7 to 13.15. This match remains etched in the memories of fans as a defining moment during a period of dominance for Hawthorn.
In a contrast to Geelong, they too had their minutes of glory. And in an exhilarating 2011 qualifying final, knocked off Hawthorn, 14.14 to 10.8. While this victory was worth celebrating, it revealed their contentious competitive nature and unshakeable determination to never give up. The sometimes cat-and-mouse, sometimes tit-for-tat dynamic of their engagements has spawned a culture of hyper-competition and high stakes.
The most recent meeting in a pre-premiership clash was back in 2013, with Hawthorn edging the Cats by just a point 14.18 to 15.7. This semifinal showed what an incredible rivalry it has become, as both teams battled to a stalemate in an exhibit of clutch performance under pressure.
Historical Context Shapes Expectations
The historical context of this rivalry makes things all the more intense heading into the clash between these schools. More than anything else, in tense finals gone by, unforgettable moments have defined the legacies of both clubs. Indeed, in perhaps the most memorable of all Grand Finals in 1989, Hawthorn defeated Geelong 21.18 to 9.13.
Moreover, past encounters such as the 2014 qualifying final, where Hawthorn again emerged victorious at 15.14 against Geelong’s 11.23, have further solidified this rivalry’s fierce nature. Fans will surely remember these key events when they come together to see this new chapter unfold.
With each of them accomplishing a perfect record against the other, excitement reuses about what strategies both of them will bring into this crucial game. Every team will be looking to learn from their past, but more importantly focus on winning their present and future on the pitch.
Key Players and Strategies
As these two talented squads get set to clash in this winner-takes-all showdown, stars on both sides will help decide who leaves the field victorious. Both clubs have very good lists with game breakers able to turn the tide in an instant.
Coaches will undoubtedly come up with plans that take advantage of flaws seen in previous meetings. To be victorious, the teams that can best adapt and react to their opponent’s gameplay will take home the gold.
