There’s something special about a rivalry in the AFL. It’s not just about two teams playing footy—it’s about history, emotion, and those moments that make you jump off the couch. For Geelong Cats fans, rivalries are woven into the fabric of the club. Whether it’s the fierce battles with Hawthorn, the classic clashes with Essendon, or the modern-day grudge matches against Richmond, understanding these rivalries helps you appreciate the journey of one of the AFL’s most successful teams.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key rivalries that define the Geelong Cats. We’ll look at why they matter, the unforgettable moments, and what makes each one unique. By the end, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the Cats’ place in AFL history—and maybe a few stories to share at the next game.
Let’s dive in.
The Hawthorn Rivalry: A Modern Classic
If there’s one rivalry that gets Geelong fans fired up, it’s the one with Hawthorn. This isn’t just a rivalry—it’s a saga. Over the past two decades, these two teams have met in some of the most intense AFL Finals Series matches you’ll ever see.
Why It Matters
The Geelong Cats and Hawthorn have been at the top of the ladder together for years. Both clubs have multiple AFL Premierships to their name, and their clashes often decide who gets the edge in the finals race. The rivalry intensified in the late 2000s and early 2010s, when the Cats and Hawks traded blows in epic grand final qualifiers.
Unforgettable Moments
- 2008 Qualifying Final: The Cats were chasing back-to-back flags, but Hawthorn stunned them at the MCG. That loss fueled Geelong’s fire for years.
- 2013 Preliminary Final: A heartbreaker for Geelong. The Hawks kicked a late goal to snatch victory, sending them to the Grand Final.
- 2016 Elimination Final: The Cats got revenge, knocking Hawthorn out of the finals in a thriller at the MCG.
What Makes It Special
This rivalry is built on respect—and a bit of bitterness. Both teams play a similar brand of fast, skillful footy, so every game feels like a chess match. For Geelong fans, beating Hawthorn is always sweet, especially when it happens in the AFL Finals Series.
The Essendon Rivalry: A Battle of Tradition
The Geelong Cats and Essendon have been going at it since the early days of the AFL competition. This is one of the oldest rivalries in the league, and it’s steeped in history.
Why It Matters
Essendon is one of the most successful clubs in AFL history, and the Cats have always been a thorn in their side. The rivalry peaked in the 1990s and 2000s, when both teams were regular contenders. For Geelong, beating the Bombers is about proving that tradition and grit still matter.
Unforgettable Moments
- 1994 Preliminary Final: The Cats came from behind to beat Essendon in a classic, setting up a Grand Final appearance.
- 2008 Round 19: A high-scoring thriller where Geelong kicked 20 goals to edge out the Bombers.
- 2013 Elimination Final: The Cats dominated from start to finish, sending Essendon packing.
What Makes It Special
This rivalry has a different feel—it’s less about bitterness and more about pride. When the Cats and Bombers meet, you know you’re watching two clubs with deep roots in the AFL. It’s a reminder of how far the game has come.
The Richmond Rivalry: A Modern Grudge
In recent years, the Geelong Cats and Richmond have developed one of the most heated rivalries in the AFL. These two teams have met in multiple finals, and the intensity is off the charts.
Why It Matters
Both clubs have been at the top of the ladder in the late 2010s and early 2020s. The Tigers’ dynasty years coincided with the Cats’ sustained success, leading to some classic encounters. For Geelong fans, beating Richmond is about proving that the Cats are still the team to beat.
Unforgettable Moments
- 2017 Qualifying Final: Richmond upset the Cats at the MCG, kicking off their run to the premiership.
- 2019 Preliminary Final: A brutal contest where the Tigers got the upper hand again.
- 2020 Qualifying Final: The Cats finally got one back, winning a tight game at the Gabba.
What Makes It Special
This rivalry is personal. The fans don’t like each other, and the players feed off that energy. When the Cats and Tigers meet, you can feel the tension in the air. It’s modern, it’s fierce, and it’s here to stay.
The Collingwood Rivalry: A Test of Mettle
The Geelong Cats and Collingwood have a rivalry that goes back decades. While it’s not as intense as some others, it’s always a cracking game.
Why It Matters
Collingwood is one of the biggest clubs in the AFL, and the Cats have had the better of them in recent years. For Geelong, beating the Magpies is about showing that the Cats can handle the pressure of big games.
Unforgettable Moments
- 2011 Grand Final: The Cats dominated Collingwood in the premiership decider, winning by 38 points.
- 2019 Round 10: A nail-biter where Geelong kicked a late goal to snatch victory.
- 2022 Preliminary Final: The Cats crushed the Magpies, setting up another Grand Final appearance.
What Makes It Special
This rivalry has a bit of everything—history, drama, and high stakes. When the Cats and Magpies meet, you know you’re in for a treat.
The Western Bulldogs Rivalry: A Recent Flame
The Geelong Cats and Western Bulldogs have developed a rivalry in recent years, thanks to some epic finals clashes.
Why It Matters
Both teams have had success in the last decade, and their games are always tight. For the Cats, beating the Bulldogs is about proving that they can handle the underdog spirit.
Unforgettable Moments
- 2021 Preliminary Final: The Bulldogs stunned the Cats at the MCG, ending Geelong’s season.
- 2022 Round 22: The Cats got revenge, winning a crucial game to secure a top-four spot.
What Makes It Special
This rivalry is still growing, but it’s already produced some classic moments. For Geelong fans, every game against the Bulldogs feels like a final.
The Interstate Rivalries: Sydney and West Coast
The Geelong Cats have also developed strong rivalries with interstate teams, particularly Sydney and West Coast.
Why It Matters
These teams have met the Cats in multiple Grand Finals, making every clash feel significant. For Geelong, beating Sydney or West Coast is about proving that the Cats can win anywhere.
Unforgettable Moments
- 2005 Grand Final: Sydney edged the Cats in a thriller.
- 2007 Grand Final: The Cats crushed Port Adelaide, but the rivalry with Sydney continued.
- 2016 Grand Final: The Cats lost to the Bulldogs, but the rivalry with West Coast has been fierce.
What Makes It Special
These rivalries are about travel and adaptation. The Cats have to bring their best game to beat interstate teams, and that makes every win feel earned.
Practical Tips for Geelong Cats Fans
Now that you know the rivalries, here are some tips to make the most of them:
- Watch the history: Before a big game, watch highlights of past clashes. It adds to the experience.
- Engage with other fans: Join online forums or attend watch parties. Rivalries are better when shared.
- Respect the opposition: Rivalries are fun, but they’re about footy, not hate. Keep it friendly.
- Visit Kardinia Park: There’s nothing like watching the Cats play at home. The atmosphere is electric.
The Geelong Cats rivalries are more than just games—they’re stories. From the modern battles with Hawthorn to the classic clashes with Essendon, each rivalry adds a layer to the club’s rich history. Understanding these rivalries helps you appreciate the Cats’ journey and the passion of their fans.
If you’re new to the Geelong Cats, start by exploring our getting started guide. You’ll learn about the club’s history, key players, and what makes the Cats special.
For a deeper dive, check out our articles on captains through the ages and coaching history. They’ll give you even more context on the rivalries we’ve covered.
And don’t forget to join the conversation. Share your favorite rivalry moment with other Cats fans. Whether it’s a win over Hawthorn or a classic against Richmond, every memory matters.
Go Cats!
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