Round 4
Hawthorn v Geelong
3.15pm, Easter Monday 2026
MCG
For many a year, the enclosed walls of the ‘colosseum’ that is the MCG has produced heroic tales of the past, and in Monday evenings breathtaking contest, another modern-day classic between the Hawks and Cats adds another chapter to this storied stage.
Jack Gunston’s flashy right foot soccer attempt that rattled the post with 20 seconds left on the clock sealed a stunning upset from the Hawks who looked down and out in the last quarter, ultimately, prevailing to win 13.14 (92) to 14.7 (91).
The ageing star continued his resurgence in the midst of chaos, kicking three majors and keeping a cool head to be the hero for the Hawks, after his day looked done with a hamstring injury in the third quarter.
From the outset it was clear the intensity of the game was going to be brutal, with both teams honoring the performances that had gone before them. Both sides had an almost equal share of their time in front for the day, however it was the turnovers from Geelong that ultimately decided their fate in agonizing fashion, as James Sicily snatched the intercept mark that allowed the Hawks to rebound for the match winning point.
Hawks midfielder Josh Ward produced a stellar performance of run and dash all afternoon finishing with 29 disposals. He was joined by star forward Nick Watson who shook the tag of Oisin Mulin producing three vital goals, in a livewire performance.
In the absence of Karl Amon for the Hawks, Jarman Impey stood tall as the composed ball user down back (26 disposals, 554 meters gained), providing run all day which the cats found difficult to contain.
Jai Newcombe and Tom Atkins went head-to-head all day; however it was the star Hawk who proved too powerful to give Sam Mitchells side the upper hand at the clearance battle that ultimately crushed the Cats spirit late in the final term.
Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith led the way in the loss, using the chorus of boos he was met with every possession to produce a performance that deserved to be match winning, (33 disposals, 663 meters gained).
As Jeremy Cameron struggled to make an impact down forward, he was moved further up the ground to be a link for the Cats forward half, and it was Shannon Neale who ultimately took on the responsibility as the key target kicking a game high four goals, including one in the final minute that put the Cats up by six points.
The final quarter was fueled with an intensity that both teams matched. The tiring of players meant a lack of polish, however made for an enthralling 20 minutes as bodies hit the deck constantly through repeat efforts, tackles and big contest. The Hawks ultimately finding the finish line first in a Easter Monday thriller.
The Cats will be left to ponder the last minute of play, as their midfield brigade lost a vital clearance allowing for scores to be level, and will question whether they should have settled for a stoppage deep in their defensive 50 before Gunston popped up.
Chris Scott’s men will lick their wounds as a trip to Norwood against the Eagles awaits in Gather Round whilst the Hawks face a short turnaround before they take on the undefeated Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
HAWTHORN 3.3 7.5 10.9 13.14 (92)
GEELONG 2.1 9.2 10.5 14.7 (91)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Gunston 3, Watson 3, Chol 2, Ginnivan 2, Lewis 2, Weddle
Geelong: Neale 4, O.Henry 3, Bowes 2, Martin, Wiltshire, Dempsey, Cameron, Blicavs
BEST
Hawthorn: Ward, Impey, Sicily, Ginnivan, Barrass, Gunston, Watson
Geelong: Smith, Holmes, Neale, Stewart, Blicavs, O.Henry
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
Geelong: Nil
Crowd: 84,712 at the MCG
Read more from Kristian Cavallo HERE
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About Kristian Cavallo
Third year university student, looking to explore my passion in writing particularly about AFL.
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Great read, love the work, keep hitting those 45s Kristian.
Two competitors in the middle of the handicapper’s ranking (one in gold, one in blue) matching it stride for stride over the full 120 metre course and separated by a cigarette paper at the line. Easter Monday!
Stupendous read Kristian, some would compare this game to the photo finish between the great mare Pride or Jenni and the back to back Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man!
Credit to the Hawks. They beat Geelong and the umpires. Free kicks – 13 to 24.
Geelong free kicks this season so far:
R0 – GC 17 v G 29
R1 – G 24 v Freo 15
R2 – BYE
R3 – G 25 v A 13
R4 – H13 v G 24
The outliers are too great and happen too often – 4 of 4 rounds, with 5th being BYE.
Bias is too great NOT to be unintentional.
I’ve got used to mass corruption in Victoria – government, councils, judiciary, police, unions, bikie gangs, tobacco, drugs, but AFL …Too much!