AFL Match Preview | The Stage is Set for Friday Night

It all comes down to this.

Geelong and Hawthorn in front of a packed house at a sold-out MCG, the winner to progress to the AFL Grand Final and the loser sent into their off-season.

It is set to be a fresh new chapter in one of the greatest rivalries of the modern era, the Cats looking to secure their place in a Grand Final for the third time in the last six years.

With so many exciting things happening on Friday, take a look at everything you need to know in the build up to Friday's blockbuster Preliminary Final.

KEY DETAILS

2025 AFL Season - Preliminary Final

Geelong Cats v Hawthorn

MCG, Melbourne

Friday September 19th, 7.40pm (AEST)

TEAM SELECTION

KEY PLAYER TO WATCH

Tom Stewart

A player that certainly understands what this weekend is all about, Tom Stewart will feature in his sixth Preliminary Final on Friday night, looking to convert that into a third Grand Final appearance.

The star defender has hit a strong vein of form late in the season, averaging 22 disposals, eight marks and nine intercept possessions per game across the last five weeks.

Stewart's performance in the Qualifying Final was heavily influential in Geelong's victory over Brisbane, finishing the night with 22 disposals, 11 intercept possessions and six intercept marks to help steer the Cats to the penultimate week of the season.

Hawthorn boast a dangerous forward line, which means Geelong will need Stewart to be a his very best once again on Friday night.

RECENT HISTORY - Geelong v Hawthorn

The latest clash between the two sides was another Easter Monday classic, with Geelong prevailing by seven points earlier this year in front of 88,746 at the MCG.

Despite the intense rivalry, the Cats have had the better of the battle in recent times winning the last four consecutive games and six of the last seven against the Hawks.

Dating back to 2016, Geelong have won 11 of the last 15 matches against Hawthorn, looking to continue that form this weekend.

SEASON HOME AWAY GROUND 2025 - Round 6 Geelong 12.14 (86) Hawthorn 11.13 (79) MCG 2024 - Round 17 Geelong 16.14 (110) Hawthorn 9.5 (59) GMHBA Stadium 2024 - Round 3 Hawthorn 10.10 (70) Geelong 17.4 (106) MCG 2023 - Round 4 Geelong 19.13 (127) Hawthorn 6.9 (45) MCG 2022 - Round 5 Hawthorn 14.8 (92) Geelong 11.14 (80) MCG

VENUE HISTORY - MCG

Geelong will be looking to continue their strong form at the MCG this year, having won five of their six games at the venue so far in 2025.

The Cats scoring power has been particularly impressive, averaging 103 points per game at the MCG this year while also registering 32 scoring shots in their Qualifying Final victory over Brisbane.

SEASON HOME AWAY 2025 - Qualifying Final Geelong 16.16 (112) Brisbane 11.8 (74) 2025 - Round 24 Richmond 9.10 (64) Geelong 14.19 (103) 2025 - Round 14 Essendon 8.8 (56) Geelong 23.13 (151) 2025 - Round 8 Collingwood 12.15 (87) Geelong 13.12 (90) 2025 - Round 7 Carlton 14.10 (94) Geelong 12.4 (76) 2025 - Round 6 Geelong 12.14 (86) Hawthorn 11.13 (79)

GETTING TO THE GROUND

Fans travelling on the Geelong Line to the Geelong and Hawthorn preliminary final at the MCG on Friday night will have access to seven additional V/Line services.

Before the game, an additional service will depart Waurn Ponds 3.50pm, while additional services will depart Wyndham Vale at 5.19pm and 5.46pm to further boost capacity along the line. In addition, two services that normally originate at South Geelong will start from Waurn Ponds at 3.20pm and 3.41pm, giving passengers more options.

After the game, there will be four additional services to Waurn Ponds, departing Southern Cross at 11.12pm, 11.21pm, 11.45pm and 12.03am. Another three services will run with extra carriages.

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MARCH TO THE 'G

Join us as we March to the 'G once again on Friday night.

Presented by Gatorade, Geelong's March to the 'G will depart Federation Square at 6.00pm AEST on Friday night, with a swarm of Cats supporters to descend on the MCG ahead of our blockbuster Preliminary Final against Hawthorn.

Led by the Cats marching band, Geelong fans will follow the Yarra River and arrive at the home of football in time for the game.

SHOW YOUR COLOURS

The penultimate week of the season has arrived and it is time to show your support by painting the town blue and white, as the Cats look to secure their place in the 2025 AFL Grand Final.

Presented by Dulux, Geelong's Show Your Colours competition is encouraging Cats fans to get creative and support the team, featuring the best blue and white set-ups from our loyal supporter base.

Follow the link below to share a photo, video or message of support to be part of our message wall, while also being a chance to feature on the Cats social channels or website.

Show Your Colours: Link Here

WHERE TO WATCH

All matches in Week Three of the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network and Fox Footy, while also being streamed live on Kayo.

Coverage of Friday night's match will start at 7.00pm AEST ahead of the opening bounce at 7.40pm.

For those tuning into the action on the radio, K rock will be covering the all the action from 6.00pm. Listen live through 95.5FM, 88.0 at the MCG, krockfootball.live or via the AFL app.

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