Two fierce rivals, Geelong and Hawthorn, are set to clash in a highly anticipated preliminary final for the first time in nine years this Friday at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. With a coveted spot in the 2025 AFL Grand Final on the line, both teams are determined to make history as the first to secure their place in the decider. Awaiting the winner will be either the Collingwood Magpies or the Brisbane Lions. The showdown is scheduled to begin at 7:40 pm (AEST) on Friday, September 19, 2025.You can discover the game's kickoff details, where to watch, betting odds, and match preview in the article below.
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Geelong vs Hawthorn Details
The AFL Preliminary Final clash between the Cats and Hawks is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, starting at 7:40 pm AEST on Friday, 19 September 2025.
- Date: Friday 19 September 2025
- Time: 7:40pm AEST
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Where to Watch Geelong vs Hawthorn Live on TV or Stream
| Country | TV Channel/Stream |
|---|---|
| Australia | ABC Australia, Kayo, FOX Footy, 7 plus |
| UK | TNT Sports |
| USA | Fox Sports App, FOX Sports 2 |
| Africa | ESPN - Africa |
| Canada | TSN 4 |
| Germany | SportDigital1+ |
| India | ABC Australia |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport |
Geelong: form and team news
The Cats are riding high on momentum following a commanding victory over reigning premiers Brisbane in the qualifying round, earning their 14th preliminary final appearance in the past 19 years. Their season has been a testament to consistent excellence, finishing second on the ladder with an impressive 17-6 record. Geelong’s dominance has been fueled by their dynamic forward line, led by Coleman Medalist Jeremy Cameron, who has delivered a remarkable 85 goals this season. The Cats have named an unchanged lineup from the team that cruised to a 38-point win against Brisbane in the Qualifying Final. Heading into Friday night, Geelong’s emergencies will include Rhys Stanley, Jed Bews, and Ollie Henry.
Geelong Cats Team List
FB: Connor O’Sullivan, Sam De Koning, Jack Henry
HB: Mark O’Connor, Tom Stewart, Zach Guthrie
C: Jack Bowes, Max Holmes, Oliver Dempsey
HF: Tyson Stengle, Shaun Mannagh, Brad Close
F: Shannon Neale, Jeremy Cameron, Patrick Dangerfield
FOLL: Mark Blicavs, Bailey Smith, Tom Atkins
I/C: Lawson Humphries, Jack Martin, Jhye Clark, Gryan Miers, Oisin Mullin
EMG: Rhys Stanley, Jed Bews, Oliver Henry
Hawthorn: form and team news
Hawthorn has announced an unchanged line-up for Friday night's Preliminary Final against Geelong at the iconic MCG. Key milestone moments add further excitement to the clash, with Massimo D'Ambrosio set to play his 50th club game, having missed just one match since debuting for the Hawks in Round 1, 2024. Meanwhile, veteran Jack Gunston will mark his 20th AFL final, 13 years after his first appearance in a final back in 2012.
Hawthorn Hawks Team List
FB: Josh Battle, Tom Barrass, Blake Hardwick
HB: Jarman Impey, James Sicily, Massimo D’Ambrosio
C: Karl Amon, Josh Ward, Dylan Moore
HF: Josh Weddle, Mabior Chol, Nick Watson
F: Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis, Connor Macdonald
FOLL: Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash
I/C: Jack Scrimshaw, James Worpel, Jack Ginnivan, Sam Butler, Changkuoth Jiath
EMG: Ned Reeves, Cam Mackenzie, Jai Serong
Geelong vs Hawthorn Odds
| Bookmakers | Geelong to Win | Hawthorn to Win |
|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 1.55 | 2.46 |
| Paripesa | 1.55 | 2.46 |
| Bet365 | 1.50 | 2.60 |


