THESE great rivals will likely meet again in a fortnight in a qualifying final, which raises the prospect of both coaches holding certain tactics back until then. The Hawks will be better for the return of Jarryd Roughead, while key Cat Steve Johnson is unlikely and Jimmy Bartel’s no certain starter. The Hawks need to rediscover the run and midfield grunt largely missing against Fremantle last week, while for the Geelong this is the opportunity to show it belongs in premierships discussions with Hawthorn and the Swans. Expect another game replete with drama and momentum swings, as is usually the case when these clubs meet.




WHERE AND WHEN: The MCG, Saturday August 23, 7.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide 

LAST FIVE TIMES
R5, 2014, Geelong 15.16 (106) d Hawthorn 12.15 (87) at the MCG
1PF, 2013, Hawthorn 14.18 (102) d Geelong 15.7 (97) at the MCG
R15, 2013, Geelong 11.16 (82) d Hawthorn 10.12 (72) at the MCG
R1, 2013, Geelong 13.15 (93) d Hawthorn 12.14 (86) at the MCG
R19, 2012, Geelong 18.10 (118) d Hawthorn 17.14 (116) at the MCG

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THE SIX POINTS
1. Steve Johnson proved the difference between the sides earlier this season, in round 5 at the MCG he was best on ground with 34 possessions and three goals; Tom Hawkins once again proved a handful for the Hawks defence kicking five goals.

2. Geelong is the number one ranked team for marks Inside 50 this season, averaging 13.9 thanks to Tom Hawkins who is ranked second, with 3.8 per game. Hawthorn is ranked fourth.

3. Since 2009 Geelong has won 12 of 13 contests between the sides; nine have been decided by single figures and six have been decided by less than a goal.

4. These teams are heavily contrasted when it comes to tackling: Geelong is ranked second averaging 72.4 per game while Hawthorn is last with 61.2.

5. Also heavily in Geelong’s favour is the record between the sides at the MCG; 15 wins to five the Cats’ way; three of the Hawks wins have been in finals.

6. Sam Mitchell averages 16.9 Official AFL Player Ratings points against Geelong – his best against any side.

Prediction: Hawthorn by 5 points