WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Monday April 1, 3.20pm?
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2012, Geelong 18.10 (118) d Hawthorn 17.14 (116) at the MCG
R2, 2012, Geelong 14.8 (92) d Hawthorn 13.12 (90) at the MCG
QF2, 2011, Geelong 14.14 (98) d Hawthorn 9.13 (67) at the MCG
R12, 2011, Geelong 13.10 (88) d Hawthorn 13.5 (83) at the MCG
R5, 2011, Geelong 17.15 (117) d Hawthorn 15.8 (98) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Although Geelong has won every game since the 2008 decider, the contests have been extraordinarily close. Seven of the nine games have been decided by less than 10 points, and three of the last four by less than one straight kick. It took a 55m bomb from Tom Hawkins after the final siren to clinch victory in the clubs' most recent clash.
2. In both matches in 2012, Hawthorn won the total possession count but finished behind on the scoreboard.
3. In 2012 the Hawks won 12 of 16 games at the MCG, while the Cats lost three of five games.
4. Last year Hawthorn was the competition leader at converting possession into goals. The Hawks ranked No.1 for disposals per goal with an average of just 21.5. Geelong was seventh, taking 24.6 disposals per goal.
5. Hawthorn also ranked second in clearances last season, compared to the Cats who were 15th.
6. Fun fact: Hawthorn and Geelong have met eight times previously in round one, with the Cats winning six times to two.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or the clubs.
