There’s something electric about walking into Kardinia Park or any AFL venue when the Cats are facing a genuine contender. You can feel it in the air—that mix of tension, excitement, and the quiet confidence that comes from supporting one of the most successful teams in the competition. But not all rivalries are created equal. Some matchups carry decades of history, others have been forged in recent Grand Final heartbreak, and a few are built on tactical chess matches between two elite sides.
If you’re a Geelong Cats supporter, you know that understanding these rivalry matchups isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about knowing what to expect when the Cats line up against the teams that have stood in their way. Whether you’re planning your season, debating with mates, or just trying to get a handle on the 2025 AFL Season, this guide will walk you through the most intense rivalries, what makes them tick, and why they matter more than ever.
Let’s dive into the matchups that define Geelong’s journey.
The Hawthorn Hawks: A Rivalry Built on Grand Final Pain
If there’s one rivalry that still stings for Cats fans, it’s the one with Hawthorn. The Hawks and Geelong have met in four AFL Grand Finals—1971, 1989, 2008, and 2013—and while the Cats won the 1971 and 1989 premierships, it’s the 2008 defeat that still haunts the collective memory of the club.
Why It Matters
The 2008 Grand Final was supposed to be Geelong’s coronation. The Cats had gone 21-1 in the home-and-away season, breaking records and looking unbeatable. But Hawthorn, led by a young Luke Hodge and coached by Alastair Clarkson, pulled off one of the greatest upsets in AFL history. That loss fueled Geelong’s 2009 and 2011 premierships, but it also created a rivalry that has never really cooled.
Key Moments
- 2008 AFL Grand Final: Hawthorn wins by 26 points, ending Geelong’s dream season.
- 2013 AFL Grand Final: The Hawks get revenge for 2011, beating the Cats in another classic decider.
- 2012 Preliminary Final: Geelong knocks out Hawthorn in a thriller at the MCG, keeping their premiership hopes alive.
What to Watch in 2025
Both teams are in different phases now. The Cats are contending under Chris Scott, while Hawthorn is rebuilding after their three-peat era. But don’t expect the intensity to drop. These games are always physical, always close, and always carry that extra edge. When the Cats and Hawks meet at the MCG or Kardinia Park, you can bet the atmosphere will be white-hot.
The Collingwood Magpies: The Modern Blockbuster
Collingwood versus Geelong has become one of the AFL’s most anticipated matchups in recent years. It’s not just about the size of the clubs—the Magpies have the biggest fan base in the competition—but the quality of the football. These two teams have played some absolute classics, especially in finals.
Why It Matters
The rivalry intensified after the 2011 AFL Grand Final, where Geelong dismantled Collingwood by 38 points to win their third flag in five years. But the Magpies got their revenge in the 2019 preliminary final, a game that still stings for Cats fans. Since then, every meeting has felt like a mini-final.
Key Players
- Patrick Dangerfield has a habit of lifting against Collingwood. His power and explosiveness through the midfield often prove decisive.
- Tom Hawkins has dominated Collingwood defenses over the years, using his size and strength to outmuscle opponents.
- Joel Selwood, though retired, set the standard for these matchups with his relentless pressure and leadership.
What to Watch in 2025
Collingwood is coming off a premiership in 2023, and they’ll be hungry to defend their flag. The Cats, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024. When these two meet, expect a high-pressure, high-skill contest that could easily decide top-four positioning. The games are often played at the MCG, which adds another layer of challenge for Geelong.
The Sydney Swans: A Rivalry of Respect and Heartbreak
The Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans don’t have the same historical animosity as some other rivalries, but the recent finals matchups have turned this into one of the most compelling contests in the AFL.
Why It Matters
The 2022 AFL Grand Final was a watershed moment for the Cats. Geelong demolished Sydney by 81 points, capping off one of the most dominant seasons in AFL history. For Swans fans, it was a painful reminder of how far they had to go. But Sydney has since rebuilt, and the 2024 season saw them emerge as genuine contenders again.
Key Matchups
- Patrick Dangerfield vs. Callum Mills: Two midfield bulls who can change the game with their contested work.
- Tom Hawkins vs. Tom McCartin: A battle of strength versus athleticism in the forward line.
- Jeremy Cameron vs. Dane Rampe: Cameron’s agility and goal sense against Rampe’s defensive nous.
What to Watch in 2025
The Swans are young, fast, and hungry. The Cats are experienced, disciplined, and tactical. These contrasting styles make for fascinating football. When they meet at the SCG or Kardinia Park, the game often comes down to which team can impose its will. If the Cats can control the tempo and limit Sydney’s transition game, they’ll be hard to beat.
The Richmond Tigers: The Battle of the Eras
Richmond and Geelong have been two of the most successful clubs of the last two decades, and their rivalry has produced some unforgettable moments.
Why It Matters
The Tigers dominated the AFL from 2017 to 2020, winning three premierships in four years. The Cats, meanwhile, have been consistently contending but have only one flag in that period (2022). This has created a narrative of “what if” for Geelong fans, especially after Richmond knocked the Cats out of the 2017 and 2020 finals series.
Key Moments
- 2017 Preliminary Final: Richmond wins by 17 points, ending Geelong’s season.
- 2020 Qualifying Final: The Tigers beat the Cats by 31 points, setting up their third flag.
- 2022 Round 19: Geelong thrashes Richmond by 62 points at the MCG, a sign of things to come.
What to Watch in 2025
Richmond is in a transition period, with key players like Dustin Martin and Tom Lynch nearing the end of their careers. The Cats, meanwhile, are still in their premiership window. These games are often physical and emotional, with both teams playing a high-pressure brand of football. Expect the atmosphere at the MCG to be electric.
The Western Bulldogs: The Underdog Story That Became a Rivalry
The Western Bulldogs and Geelong Cats have developed a fierce rivalry over the past decade, largely due to two unforgettable finals matches.
Why It Matters
The 2016 AFL Grand Final saw the Bulldogs win their first premiership in 62 years, but it was the 2021 preliminary final that really stoked the fire. The Bulldogs led by 10 points with less than two minutes to go, only for the Cats to mount a stunning comeback. Tom Hawkins kicked the winning goal after the siren, sending Kardinia Park into a frenzy.
Key Players
- Marcus Bontempelli vs. Patrick Dangerfield: Two of the AFL’s best midfielders going head-to-head.
- Tom Hawkins vs. Alex Keath: A battle of brute strength versus aerial dominance.
- Bailey Smith vs. Jack Bowes: Speed and agility against composure and skill.
What to Watch in 2025
The Bulldogs are a young, exciting team with a potent forward line. The Cats rely on their experienced core and tactical flexibility. These games are often high-scoring and unpredictable, with momentum swinging wildly. If you’re a neutral fan, this is the rivalry to watch.
The Essendon Bombers: The Traditional Rivalry
While the modern rivalries grab the headlines, the Geelong Cats and Essendon Bombers have a history that dates back to the early days of the VFL.
Why It Matters
Essendon and Geelong have played some of the most memorable games in AFL history, including the 1963 Grand Final (won by Geelong) and the 1993 preliminary final (won by Essendon). The rivalry has cooled in recent years as Essendon has struggled, but the passion is still there.
Key Moments
- 1963 AFL Grand Final: Geelong wins by 19 points, their fourth flag.
- 1993 Preliminary Final: Essendon wins by 17 points, denying the Cats a Grand Final berth.
- 2017 Anzac Day Eve: Geelong wins a thriller at the MCG, 11.12 (78) to 10.14 (74).
What to Watch in 2025
Essendon is on the rise under new coach Brad Scott, and the Bombers have a young, talented list. The Cats will need to be wary of Essendon’s speed and athleticism. These games are often played at the MCG, and the crowd is always lively.
Practical Tips for Watching Rivalry Matchups
Now that you know the key rivalries, here are some practical tips to make the most of your viewing experience:
1. Plan Your Schedule
The AFL fixture is released in late November or early December. As soon as it drops, mark the dates for these rivalry matchups. They’re often scheduled in prime time slots, so you can plan your weekends around them.2. Know the Venue
- Kardinia Park (GMHBA Stadium): The Cats have a strong home ground advantage here. The crowd is loud, the atmosphere is intimate, and the team knows the ground intimately.
- MCG: The home of AFL football. The Cats have a mixed record here, but they’ve learned to adapt over the years.
- SCG, Marvel Stadium, etc.: Each venue has its quirks. The SCG is smaller, which can favor fast, skillful teams. Marvel Stadium is indoor, which eliminates weather as a factor.
3. Watch the Weather
Weather can have a huge impact on these games. Rain favors teams that are strong in contested possessions and stoppages—areas where the Cats excel. Dry conditions favor fast, free-flowing football. Check the forecast before the game and adjust your expectations.4. Focus on Key Matchups
Every rivalry game has a few key battles that will decide the outcome. Watch for:- Midfield dominance: Which team wins the clearances?
- Forward efficiency: Can the Cats convert their opportunities?
- Defensive pressure: Which team forces more turnovers?
5. Get Involved
Join the conversation on social media, listen to podcasts, or read analysis on Geelong Cats Insider. The more you know, the more you’ll appreciate the nuances of these matchups.Conclusion: Why These Rivalries Matter
The Geelong Cats are one of the most successful clubs in AFL history, but their journey has been shaped by the teams they’ve faced along the way. From the heartbreak of 2008 to the triumph of 2022, these rivalry matchups have defined eras, created legends, and given fans memories that will last a lifetime.
As the 2025 AFL Season approaches, the Cats will once again line up against their fiercest rivals. Whether it’s the Hawks, Magpies, Swans, Tigers, Bulldogs, or Bombers, every game is an opportunity to write a new chapter in the club’s storied history.
So mark your calendar, get your membership sorted, and prepare for another season of thrilling football. The Cats are coming, and their rivals better be ready.
Want more? Check out our season previews for an in-depth look at the 2025 campaign, relive the glory of past Grand Final revisits, or learn how weather conditions impact the Cats’ game plan.
Go Cats!
Reader Comments (0)