There's something special about rivalry week at the Cattery. The air crackles with anticipation, the stands at Kardinia Park buzz with nervous energy, and you can feel the history pressing down on every contest. For Geelong Cats supporters, rivalries aren't just games on the fixture—they're chapters in a story that spans generations, filled with heartbreak, triumph, and moments that define what it means to wear the hoops.
In this pillar guide, we're diving deep into the rivalries that have shaped the Cats' identity. From the bitter battles with Hawthorn to the classic clashes with Essendon, and everything in between, we'll explore why these matchups matter more than just four points on the ladder. Whether you're a lifelong supporter or new to the blue and white, understanding these rivalries is essential to appreciating the rich tapestry of Geelong's championship history.
The Hawthorn Rivalry: A Tale of Two Eras
If there's one rivalry that gets the blood boiling at GMHBA Stadium, it's the one with Hawthorn. This isn't just a football rivalry—it's a clash of cultures, philosophies, and eras that has produced some of the most memorable moments in AFL history.
The Seeds of Bitterness
The Hawthorn-Geelong rivalry didn't explode overnight. It simmered through the 1980s and 1990s as both clubs built their identities. But the real heat came in the modern era, when these two powerhouse clubs repeatedly crossed paths on the biggest stage.
The turning point came in the 2008 AFL Grand Final. Geelong had been the dominant force all season, setting records and looking unstoppable. The Cats entered the premiership decider as overwhelming favorites, only to be stunned by a hungry Hawthorn side. That loss still stings for Geelong supporters—not just because they lost, but because of how it happened. The Hawks executed their game plan perfectly, and the Cats were left wondering what could have been.
The Modern Chapter
Since that 2008 heartbreak, the rivalry has only intensified. The two clubs have met in multiple AFL Finals Series battles, with each encounter adding another layer to the story. The 2013 qualifying final at the MCG saw Geelong snatch victory in dramatic fashion, while the 2014 preliminary final delivered another gut-wrenching loss for the Cats.
What makes this rivalry so compelling is the contrast in styles. Hawthorn's precision kicking and structured play under Alastair Clarkson clashed beautifully with Geelong's more instinctive, high-pressure brand of football under Chris Scott. Every game felt like a chess match between two masters of the game.
Why It Matters Today
Even as both clubs have gone through transitions—Hawthorn rebuilding, Geelong reloading—the rivalry remains potent. The players might change, but the history doesn't. When the Cats and Hawks meet at Kardinia Park or the MCG, there's always an extra edge. The supporters know the stakes, the players feel the pressure, and the result carries weight beyond the ladder position.
The Essendon Rivalry: A Clash of Traditions
While the Hawthorn rivalry is built on recent history, the Essendon rivalry runs much deeper. These two clubs have been crossing paths since the early days of the VFL, and the animosity has only grown over time.
The Bombers' Dominance
For much of the early history, Essendon held the upper hand. The Bombers were the glamour club of the competition, with a proud tradition and a passionate fan base. Geelong, meanwhile, was often the plucky underdog, punching above its weight but rarely getting over the line against the powerhouse from Windy Hill.
The rivalry intensified in the 1980s and 1990s, when both clubs were consistently contending for AFL Premierships. The games were physical, emotional, and often decided by the finest margins. The Bombers' "Baby Bombers" era in the early 1990s produced some classic encounters, with Geelong often falling just short.
The Modern Shift
The dynamic shifted dramatically in the 2000s. As Geelong emerged as a dominant force under Chris Scott and the leadership of players like Joel Selwood, the Cats began to assert their superiority over Essendon. The games became less competitive, but no less intense. The Bombers' struggles to match Geelong's consistency only added to the frustration for their supporters.
Today, the rivalry has a different flavor. Essendon is in a rebuilding phase, while Geelong remains a perennial contender. But that doesn't diminish the passion. When these two clubs meet at the MCG or Kardinia Park, the history is palpable. The supporters know the stories, remember the heroes, and feel the weight of tradition.
Key Moments
Some moments stand out in this rivalry:
- The 1995 Grand Final loss to the Bombers, which still haunts older supporters
- The 2007 elimination final, where Geelong announced its arrival as a powerhouse
- The 2011 qualifying final, where the Cats dominated from start to finish
The Collingwood Rivalry: The Battle for Respect
Collingwood is arguably the most hated club in the AFL, and Geelong supporters are no exception. The rivalry between the Cats and the Magpies has produced some of the most memorable moments in recent AFL history.
The Grand Final Connection
The 2011 AFL Grand Final stands as the defining moment of this rivalry. Geelong entered the premiership decider as favorites, but Collingwood had been the dominant team all season. The Magpies had won the 2010 flag and looked poised to go back-to-back.
What followed was a masterclass from the Cats. Geelong's pressure was relentless, their ball movement precise, and their defensive structure impenetrable. The 38-point victory was comprehensive, and it announced to the football world that the Cats were a dynasty in the making.
The Ongoing Tension
Since that Grand Final, the rivalry has continued to simmer. Every game between these two clubs carries extra weight, whether it's a regular season clash or an AFL Finals Series encounter. The supporters feed off each other, creating an atmosphere that's electric and occasionally hostile.
What makes this rivalry unique is the contrast in supporter bases. Collingwood's massive, vocal following versus Geelong's passionate, loyal base creates a dynamic that's unmatched in the competition. When these two clubs meet at the MCG, the crowd noise is deafening.
The Richmond Rivalry: The Rise of the Tigers
The rivalry with Richmond is a more recent development, but it's no less intense. For much of the 2000s and 2010s, Geelong held a clear advantage over the Tigers. But Richmond's resurgence under Damien Hardwick changed everything.
The 2017 Prelim
The 2017 preliminary final was a turning point. Geelong, as always, was a contender, but Richmond had emerged as a genuine threat. The Tigers' pressure game was suffocating, and the Cats struggled to find any rhythm. Richmond's victory was decisive, and it sent a message that the balance of power in the AFL was shifting.
The Modern Dynamic
Since 2017, the rivalry has been one of the most compelling in the competition. Both clubs have enjoyed success, with Richmond winning three flags in four years and Geelong securing the 2022 AFL Premiership. The games are always physical, always intense, and always carry playoff implications.
For Geelong supporters, the rivalry with Richmond is about respect. The Tigers earned their place at the top, and the Cats respect that. But that doesn't make the losses any easier to swallow.
The Western Bulldogs Rivalry: The Underdog Story
The rivalry with the Western Bulldogs is unique because it's rooted in shared history and mutual respect. Both clubs have traditionally been seen as the "little guys" of the AFL, punching above their weight against the bigger clubs.
The 2016 Prelim
The 2016 preliminary final was a heartbreaker for Geelong. The Cats had been building toward a flag all season, and they looked poised to make the AFL Grand Final. But the Bulldogs, inspired by their underdog status and relentless pressure, pulled off a stunning upset.
The Aftermath
Since that game, the rivalry has been marked by mutual respect. Both clubs have enjoyed success on their own terms, and the games are always competitive. But there's an underlying tension that comes from knowing that the other club could be the one to spoil your season.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Rivalry Games
If you're planning to attend a rivalry game at Kardinia Park or the MCG, here are some tips to make the most of the experience:
- Arrive early: The atmosphere builds throughout the day, and you don't want to miss the pre-game build-up.
- Know the history: Understanding the context makes the game more meaningful. Read up on past encounters and key moments.
- Respect the opposition: Rivalries are about passion, not hatred. Enjoy the banter, but keep it respectful.
- Embrace the atmosphere: Rivalry games are loud, intense, and emotional. Let yourself get swept up in the moment.
- Support your team: Whether it's Patrick Dangerfield winning a clearance or Tom Hawkins kicking a goal, celebrate the moments that make these games special.
The Future of Geelong's Rivalries
As the AFL continues to evolve, so too will the rivalries. The rise of new contenders like Brisbane and Melbourne has added new dimensions to the competition, while traditional rivalries remain as strong as ever.
For Geelong, the key is maintaining consistency. Under Chris Scott, the Cats have been a model of sustained success, and that consistency has only deepened the rivalries. Every team wants to beat the Cats, and every game against Geelong is a measuring stick.
The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has also played a role, transforming GMHBA Stadium into a fortress that visiting teams dread. The atmosphere at the Cattery during rivalry games is unmatched, and it's only going to get better as the stadium continues to evolve.
Conclusion: Why Rivalries Matter
Rivalries are the lifeblood of the AFL. They give meaning to the regular season, add drama to the AFL Finals Series, and create memories that last a lifetime. For Geelong Cats supporters, these rivalries are more than just games—they're part of who we are.
From the bitter battles with Hawthorn to the classic clashes with Essendon, from the Grand Final triumphs to the heartbreaking losses, these rivalries have shaped the identity of the Geelong Cats. They've given us heroes like Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield, moments of brilliance from Tom Hawkins, and a legacy that continues to grow with each passing season.
As we look ahead to the 2025 AFL Season, one thing is certain: the rivalries will be as intense as ever. The history is written, but the story is far from over. So whether you're watching from the stands at Kardinia Park, the MCG, or from your living room, remember that you're part of something bigger. You're part of a rivalry that spans generations, and that's worth celebrating.
Ready to dive deeper into the Cats' history? Check out our championship history to relive the glory moments, or explore how trades shaped the modern Cats. And if you want to understand the pain that fuels the fire, our piece on the 1995 Grand Final loss is essential reading.
Go Cats!
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