MCG will play host to Monday's Round 5 AFL game between Hawthorn Hawks and Geelong Cats. The game kicks off at 3:20 pm with Geelong Cats heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Hawthorn Hawks vs. Geelong Cats game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Monday April 18, 2022 at 3:20 pm

Where: MCG

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Hawthorn Hawks vs Geelong Cats Odds

Hawthorn Hawks vs Geelong Cats Preview

The Easter Monday showdown is always a special occasion on the footy calendar.

Plenty had question marks around Geelong’s age and whether they’d lost a step heading into the season, and while there were a few controversial moments in last week’s win over the Lions, it was encouraging to see the Cats turn in a real team performance that included five goals from Tom Hawkins and 29 disposals from Issac Smith.

The Hawks, meanwhile, played their worst game of the season against the Saints – a discouraging sign for new coach Sam Mitchell on the back of the previous week’s one-point defeat to Carlton.

Hawthorn was basically beaten at its own game from the get-go, while sloppy turnovers and errant goal-kicking also played a large part.

All of that is to be expected from one of the league’s youngest teams, and Mitchell is now charged with mounting a response, and a new game plan on one of the biggest stages of the year.

The Cats have won their last two games against the Hawks, and if the stats are anything to go by, they should be adding to that record.

Nobody has been more efficient inside 50 than Geelong so far, which doesn’t really bode well for a young Hawthorn outfit that just gave up four goals to four respective players against the Saints.

Hawthorn was also stung on the rebound last week, and we could see a similar story unfold given Geelong’s talent through the midfield.

As we’ve said, these two teams tend to put on a show, but the Cats should be too strong in the end.

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