Hawthorn vs Geelong: More Than a Game, It’s War

In the Australian Football League (AFL) there are rivalries and then there are wars. The rivalry of Hawthorn and Geelong is one such rivalry, and it's not a rivalry based on points, ladders or winners and losers, it is a rivalry based on honour, pride and legacy. Fans from both sides don't just watch — they live every single moment of the contest, turning every win into a celebration and every loss into an absolute tragedy. 

This rivalry has provided the AFL with some of the most famous clashes, memorable finals and narratives that have built the game. When Hawthorn and Geelong meet, the stakes are raised, for players, coaches and supporters — this is not just football, this is war.

Origins Of The Rivalry

The roots of the Hawthorn–Geelong rivalry lie deep in AFL’s traditions.

Geelong, one of the oldest clubs, carries history, pride, and a massive supporter base.

Hawthorn, once considered underdogs, rose during the 1970s–80s to become a powerhouse.

The two clubs often found themselves clashing in high-stakes matches, and as victories and heartbreaks exchanged hands, a rivalry of respect and hatred was born.

Famous Clashes

Some matches in this rivalry are etched in AFL folklore:

Each of these contests wasn’t just a game — it was a storyline full of emotion.

Players Who Defined The Rivalry

Gary Ablett Sr. (Geelong) - A star who illuminated matches with magic.

Gary Ablett Jr. (Geelong) - Carried the Ablett legacy with brilliance.

Dermott Brereton (Hawthorn) - Fearless, physical, and passionate.

Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) - Captain courageous, led Hawks in all defining moments.

Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn) & Joel Selwood (Geelong) - Midfield generals who carried the fight.

These players not only played - they gave the rivalry its spirit and intensity.

Fan Culture & Emotions

For fans, Hawthorn vs Geelong is a very personal rivalry. 

Hawks fans love to relive the 2008 upset as one of the best days the club has witnessed. 

Cats fans fully embrace the ten-year period of domination during the 2010s. 

Each clash delivers bragging rights, each defeat brings a lasting scar, and each victory is worth it's weight in premierships.

Geelong and Hawthorn meet in a preliminary final for the first time since 2013 as both eye a spot in the AFL grand final.

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Why It’s “War”

Physicality – The games are intense, gritty, and may require brutality.

High Stakes – Many clashes have been finals or season-deciding clashes.

History & Emotion – Years of battles ignite a furnace.

Legacies Pending – Both organizations are titans in the modern AFL sense.

Modern-Day Rivalry

Even in recent seasons, whenever Hawks and Cats face off, crowds pour in, media hypes it up, and players know they are part of something bigger. Rivalry games often feel like finals, even if they’re in the home-and-away season.

Also Read:

Dodgers vs Giants: The Legendary Rivalry Still Dominating the Spotlight

Tasmania vs Victoria: Another Chapter in Domestic Cricket History