Hawthorn Aims to Upset Geelong in AFL Preliminary Final Showdown

Melbourne, Australia – The Hawthorn Hawks are set to take on the Geelong Cats in the 2025 AFL preliminary final on Friday night, aiming for an upset against the formidable favourites.

Hawthorn, determined to reach their first grand final in a decade, faces a team known for its success in recent years. Geelong has made it to the preliminary final stage in eight of the past ten seasons but has only won two of those matchups, leaving them acutely aware of the pain that comes with near misses.

This year, Hawthorn comes into the match with momentum, having previously shown promise despite a slow start to the season. Star forward Jack Gunston, a veteran who has been instrumental in their journey, aims to lead the team to victory against a rival they barely edged out in their previous encounter by just seven points.

Both teams boast talented lineups, making accurate matchups crucial. Geelong is particularly adept at exploiting turnovers, while Hawthorn has struggled at times with counterattacking. The Hawks’ strong marking capability inside 50 has been a highlight this year, with Gunston achieving a career-best 70 goals. However, the ability to convert defensive gains into scoring has been a challenge.

Geelong, powered by a lineup that blends youthful talent, including Max Holmes, with seasoned players such as Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield, poses a tough challenge. Noted for their inventive gameplay, Geelong often keeps opponents guessing with versatile formations and strategies.

The Cats have dominated others in crafting scoring opportunities, particularly from turnovers, and their ability to pressure opposition teams adds an extra layer of complexity for the Hawks. In their earlier match this season, Hawthorn had difficulty capitalizing on opportunities and failed to control the game’s flow, ultimately leading to their defeat.

As both teams prepare for what is expected to be a thrilling encounter, the stakes could not be higher. Hawthorn insists on focusing on moving the ball efficiently down the field while avoiding the traps set by Geelong’s renowned defensive tactics. With both squads aiming to secure a place in the grand final, the match promises to be a spectacle for fans.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:40 PM AEST, with live commentary from ABC Sport, ensuring that fans across the nation stay updated.