There’s something electric about rivalry week in the AFL. The air feels heavier, the tackles hit harder, and the crowd noise seems to shake the very foundations of Kardinia Park. For Geelong Cats supporters, these aren’t just games—they’re chapters in a living, breathing history book that stretches back more than a century. Whether it’s the white-hot intensity of a showdown with Hawthorn, the bitter edge of a clash with Collingwood, or the regional pride at stake against Essendon, the Cats have built a legacy on these defining moments.
Why does this matter? Because rivalries don’t just test skill—they reveal character. They’re where premierships are forged, where legends like Joel Selwood and Tom Hawkins cement their place in folklore, and where the roar of the Cattery becomes a weapon. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most iconic rivalry highlights in Geelong’s history, break down what makes each feud unique, and show you how these battles shape the 2025 AFL Season and beyond. Let’s dive in.
The Hawthorn Rivalry: A Modern Classic
If you’ve followed the Cats for any length of time, you know the Hawthorn rivalry runs deep. It’s not just about geography—though both clubs share a Victorian heritage—it’s about an era of dominance that saw these two teams trade blows like heavyweight champions. From the late 2000s through the 2010s, Geelong and Hawthorn met in some of the most memorable AFL Finals Series encounters the competition has ever seen.
The 2008 Preliminary Final Heartbreak
Let’s start with a moment that still stings for Cats fans. In 2008, Geelong was chasing back-to-back AFL Premierships after a record-breaking season. They’d lost just one game all year and entered the Preliminary Final against Hawthorn as overwhelming favorites. But the Hawks, led by a young Luke Hodge and a relentless Sam Mitchell, had other plans. They stunned the Cats by 27 points, ending Geelong’s dream of a repeat flag.
What made this loss so painful? It wasn’t just the defeat—it was the way Hawthorn executed their game plan, shutting down Geelong’s scoring power and forcing errors from players who’d been near-perfect all season. For Joel Selwood, then a rising star, this loss became fuel. It taught the Cats that no matter how dominant you are in the home-and-away season, the AFL Finals Series demands a different level of intensity.
The 2013 Qualifying Final Redemption
Fast forward five years, and the script flipped. Geelong and Hawthorn met again in the Qualifying Final at the MCG, but this time the Cats were the underdogs. Hawthorn had finished top of the ladder, while Geelong scraped into the top four. Yet on that September afternoon, the Cats delivered a masterclass. Patrick Dangerfield, in his first season at the club, was unstoppable—racking up 35 disposals and kicking two goals. Tom Hawkins dominated the forward line, and the Cats won by 17 points.
This victory wasn’t just about revenge. It was a statement that Geelong could still compete with the best, even as the Hawks were building their own dynasty. The rivalry had become a two-way street, and every meeting carried the weight of history.
Why This Rivalry Matters Today
Heading into the 2025 AFL Season, the Hawthorn rivalry has evolved. Both clubs have undergone roster changes—Geelong through strategic AFL Draft picks and Hawthorn through a youth movement—but the intensity remains. When these two teams meet at Kardinia Park, expect a physical contest that could set the tone for the entire season. For Coach Chris Scott, these games are a benchmark. “You measure yourself against the best,” he’s said, “and Hawthorn has been one of the best for a long time.”
The Collingwood Rivalry: Blood, Sweat, and Controversy
If Hawthorn is the cerebral rivalry, Collingwood is the visceral one. There’s no love lost between these two clubs, and the history is littered with flashpoints—from brawls on the field to controversial umpiring decisions that still get debated in pubs across Geelong.
The 2011 Grand Final: A Premiership for the Ages
You can’t talk about Geelong Cats rivalry highlights without mentioning the 2011 AFL Grand Final. The Cats faced Collingwood, the reigning premiers, who had dominated the season with a 20-2 record. Geelong was the underdog, but they had something the Magpies didn’t: a core of battle-hardened veterans like Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins, and Jimmy Bartel who knew what it took to win on the biggest stage.
The game itself was a classic. Collingwood jumped out to an early lead, but Geelong clawed back, thanks to a stunning performance from Selwood (25 disposals, two goals) and a crucial goal from Hawkins in the third quarter. The final margin was 38 points—a deceptive scoreline that didn’t reflect the tension. For Geelong, this was their third AFL Premiership in five years, a feat that cemented the club’s status as a modern dynasty.
The 2022 Preliminary Final: A New Chapter
More recently, the rivalry flared up in the 2022 AFL Finals Series. Geelong and Collingwood met in the Preliminary Final, with a spot in the Grand Final on the line. The Magpies had been the story of the season, winning close games with a never-say-die attitude. But the Cats were ruthless. Patrick Dangerfield led from the front, Tom Hawkins kicked three goals, and the defense, marshaled by Tom Stewart, held Collingwood to just eight goals. The 71-point victory was a statement: Geelong was the best team in the competition, and they proved it by winning the AFL Premiership the following week.
The Cultural Divide
What makes this rivalry so compelling is the cultural clash. Collingwood represents the big-city, working-class identity of Melbourne’s inner suburbs, while Geelong embodies the regional pride of Victoria’s second city. When the Cats travel to the MCG to face the Magpies, it’s not just a game—it’s a battle for respect. For Geelong VFL players watching from the reserves, these games are a reminder of what it takes to earn a spot in the senior side.
The Essendon Rivalry: A Battle for Regional Pride
Some rivalries are born from geography, others from history. The Geelong-Essendon feud has a bit of both. These two clubs have been meeting since the early days of the VFL, and while the intensity has ebbed and flowed, there’s always a spark when they face off.
The 1994 Preliminary Final: A Heartbreaker
Before the modern era, the Cats and Bombers played out a classic in the 1994 Preliminary Final. Essendon was the defending premier, and Geelong was looking to break a 31-year premiership drought. The game went down to the wire, with the Bombers winning by 13 points in a contest that featured 12 lead changes. For Geelong fans, it was a gut-wrenching loss, but it also showed that the Cats could go toe-to-toe with the league’s best.
The 2008 Round 19 Thriller
More recently, a 2008 clash at Kardinia Park stands out. Geelong was on a 10-game winning streak, and Essendon was fighting for a finals spot. The Bombers led by 28 points in the third quarter, but the Cats stormed back, thanks to a four-goal haul from Tom Hawkins and a midfield masterclass from Joel Selwood. The final score: Geelong 15.16 (106) to Essendon 13.14 (92). It was a game that showcased the resilience of the Cats and the importance of home-ground advantage at the Cattery.
The Modern Dynamic
Today, the rivalry is less about premierships and more about bragging rights. With both clubs in different phases of their rebuild—Geelong contending, Essendon developing—every win feels like a statement. For the 2025 AFL Season, keep an eye on this fixture. It’s often a trap game for the Cats, and Coach Chris Scott will be drilling his players on the importance of not taking the Bombers lightly.
The Fremantle Rivalry: A New Frontier
You might not think of Fremantle as a traditional rival, but in recent years, the Dockers have become a thorn in Geelong’s side. The rivalry is rooted in the 2013 AFL Finals Series, when these two teams met in a classic Preliminary Final.
The 2013 Preliminary Final: A Defining Moment
Geelong traveled to Patersons Stadium in Perth to face a Fremantle side that had finished third on the ladder. The Dockers were known for their suffocating defense, and they gave the Cats fits all night. But Geelong found a way, thanks to a heroic performance from Patrick Dangerfield (32 disposals, one goal) and a late goal from Tom Hawkins that sealed a 14-point win. The victory sent the Cats to the Grand Final, where they would ultimately lose to Hawthorn.
The 2024 Season Clash
Fast forward to the 2024 AFL season, and the rivalry reignited. Fremantle, now led by a young, dynamic midfield, hosted Geelong at Optus Stadium in a game that had major finals implications. The Cats were without Joel Selwood (retired) and Tom Hawkins (injured), but Patrick Dangerfield stepped up, kicking four goals in a thrilling 11-point win. For Geelong fans, it was a reminder that the club’s culture runs deeper than any individual player.
Why It Matters
This rivalry is a testament to Geelong’s consistency. While other clubs rise and fall, the Cats remain a constant presence in the AFL Finals Series. Fremantle represents the next generation of challengers, and every win against them is a statement that Geelong isn’t going anywhere.
The Geelong-Carlton Rivalry: A Historical Grudge
Carlton might not be the powerhouse it once was, but the history between these two clubs is rich with drama. From the 1995 Grand Final to the infamous “Hand of God” incident, the Blues have been a persistent foe.
The 1995 Grand Final: A Painful Memory
Geelong entered the 1995 AFL Grand Final as favorites, having finished top of the ladder with a 16-4 record. But Carlton, led by Stephen Kernahan and Craig Bradley, played a near-perfect game, winning by 61 points. For Cats fans, it was a bitter end to a promising season, and it fueled a desire for revenge that would take years to satisfy.
The 2023 Season Sweep
In the 2023 AFL season, Geelong finally got some payback. The Cats swept Carlton in both meetings, winning by 27 points at the MCG and 18 points at Kardinia Park. Tom Hawkins was dominant in both games, kicking seven goals across the two matches. For Joel Selwood, who played his final season in 2022, seeing the Cats assert dominance over a traditional rival was a fitting send-off.
The Future of the Rivalry
As Carlton rebuilds under new leadership, the rivalry may lose some of its edge. But for Geelong fans, beating the Blues will always carry extra weight. It’s a reminder of the club’s history and the long road to becoming one of the AFL’s most successful teams.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Rivalry Games
Whether you’re watching from the stands at Kardinia Park or following along from home, rivalry games are a unique experience. Here are a few tips to make the most of them:
- Arrive early: The atmosphere at GMHBA Stadium during a rivalry game is electric. Get there early to soak it in and watch the warm-ups—you might see Patrick Dangerfield or Tom Hawkins doing their pre-game rituals.
- Know the history: Understanding the backstory makes every moment more meaningful. Read up on past clashes on the key stories page to get the full picture.
- Wear your colors proudly: Whether it’s a Cats guernsey or a scarf, showing your support adds to the energy. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter with fellow fans.
- Stay for the final siren: Rivalry games often come down to the wire. Don’t leave early—you might miss a moment like Joel Selwood’s last-minute goal against Hawthorn in 2018.
- Engage with the community: Join online forums or attend watch parties at local pubs. The Geelong Cats fan base is passionate, and sharing the experience makes it even better.
Conclusion: The Rivalry Continues
From the heartbreak of 2008 to the triumph of 2011, from the grit of 2013 to the dominance of 2022, Geelong Cats rivalry highlights are a tapestry of emotion, skill, and sheer determination. These games are more than just fixtures on the calendar—they’re the moments that define a club’s identity. They test the mettle of players like Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins, challenge the tactics of Coach Chris Scott, and unite a community that bleeds blue and white.
As we look ahead to the 2025 AFL Season, the rivalries will only intensify. The AFL Draft has brought new talent to the Cats, and the Kardinia Park Redevelopment has turned the Cattery into one of the most intimidating venues in the competition. Every clash with Hawthorn, Collingwood, Essendon, Fremantle, or Carlton is a chance to add another chapter to this storied history.
So, whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a new fan just discovering the magic of Australian rules football, embrace these rivalries. They’re what make the game great. And if you want to dive deeper into the club’s journey, check out our piece on recruitment strategy to see how the Cats build their lists, or relive the glory of grand final victories that have shaped the club’s legacy.
The next rivalry game is just around the corner. Are you ready?
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