Preview Round 4, 2026: Hawthorn v Geelong, 6 April 2026, 3.15pm @ MCG

[Dixie Flatline]

One of football's greatest modern day rivalries will write the next chapter when these two sides meet on Easter Monday at the home of football, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Hawks will be fresh off an extended lay-off (having played in Opening Round) with two wins under their belt (both at the MCG), while the Cats will hope to turn a 1-1 start into a winning record when they host the Crows at GMHBA Stadium next Thursday night (26 March) before turning their attention to Hawthorn.

Thanks to the early-season bye, it's a long wait until Easter Monday. Let's keep the preview discussion in here.

 

[TylerDurden]

No change.

Cant wait for this.

 

[Mopar Jason]

Perhaps the only thing better than beating Essendon is putting the Cats to the sword. I am confident we can achieve this and avenge our Preliminary Final loss. Go the Mighty Fighting Hawks!!!

 

[Hodgey 15]

We've got this.

 

[Middle Pocket]

The long break is a worry, coming back after a bye can mean it takes a while to get into routine; or is it an advantage, all fresh and keen. Don't know.

 

[Roddy]

I get the feeling blokes like TB, wiz and Lewis might appreciate the extended break...

 

[CobberRodgers]

If we keep Dangerfield to 25 touches and only 3 goals we can win.

If he gets his normal 84 and 7.2 we’re stuffed.

 

[hr_23]

cats are gettable
Mannagh & Scratchers Neale are the only 2 playing good footy atm
watch them run with their 10 taggers against us

 

[TylerDurden]

cats are gettable
Mannagh & Scratchers Neale are the only 2 playing good footy atm
watch them run with their 10 taggers against us

Danger saves his absolute best for Hawthorn.

Must keep him under 20 and 2 to win this.

 

[tommyk72]

I reckon this is the year we get them. 3 goal margin for mine. My biggest worry is the long break, but hoping that Sam has learnt from what happened in R0, and we come in firing on all cylinders.

 

[Dewyyyyy]

No change

 

[Xtreme]

A must win contest.

 

[Elhawko]

Biggest test is for Sam, think. We can't afford to be out coached yet again against this mob. They'll tag our strengths if we let them and we will let theirs run free if past games are any indication. Our pressure on Humphries, Myers and Dempsey has to be far more intense. And we need to clamp down on their small forwards. Hopefully Barass holds Neale and Reeves provides silver service in the ruck to counter our midfield disadvantage. And Battle has to lift and nullify Cameron. The wizard could have a huge impact on this one I think. But we just can't have passengers in these games and it would be great if for once we played a card they didn't expect and can't quickly address.

 

[Changa10]

Flying over for this one. Has been a year or five since we attended a Hawks v Cats game. Got the girls and +1 coming, so making a weekend of it.

What’s the best Hawks watering hole we should attend before the game?

 

[Leather Poisoning]

Maybe I won't even watch this.

I'm entering prime heart attack years and I don't wanna take the risk

 

[bigmaxi]

Maybe I won't even watch this.

I'm entering prime heart attack years and I don't wanna take the risk

Solved this, renting a defibrillator for the day and taking my mate, keen cats man but his side hustle….he's a doctor!

 

[Leather Poisoning]

Solved this, renting a defibrillator for the day and taking my mate, keen cats man but his side hustle….he's a doctor!

Is his name Nick by any chance?

 

[tucky74]

Flying over for this one. Has been a year or since we attended a Hawks v Cats game. Got the girls and +1 coming, so making a weekend of it.

What’s the best Hawks watering hole we should attend before the game?

London tavern. Not the best “hawks” watering hole but close to the g, can get a meal and always has a good footy vibe

 

[TylerDurden]

 

[Dewnior]

Coming down again with my youngest. He has yet to see a Hawks win live on Easter Monday. If we kick straight could we see a repeat of Easter Monday 2015? The year my son was born.

 

[Malik90]

Some good performance’s in the VFL makes selection difficult to pick. Which is good of course. McCabe needs to back it up again in the VFL before he is even considered for a debut.

 

[MasterSamurai]

We need To win this. Last thing we want is the cats having winning the mental games especially of we meet again in finals. Gotta put huge pressure on all over the ground and run the game out .

 

[Steven Tyler]

We better kick straight……….

If we lose a close one with a score of 12.16 I’ll spew up!

 

[cryptor]

I'm sure whatever it is they'll be 100% for Easter Monday.

 

[parsons nose]

Mitch Lewis showed positive signs towards the end of the Sydney game, hopefully he can carry that form into Easter Monday. Having him up and running will go along way to us getting the chocolates. Thought Mackenzie gave us a bit of bite around the packs too- good signs.