Despite the two teams currently sitting 17th and 18th on the ladder, there is no doubt that Hawthorn vs Geelong is one of the greatest duels in our game.
With 25 of their last 50 encounters decided by a margin of just two goals or less, every match is bound to be nail-biting.
Two of the most successful teams of the 21st century, battling it out right to the end. Ahead of their yearly Easter Monday clash, let's revisit some of the most memorable and iconic moments in the rivalry.
1. 2013 Preliminary Final - Hawthorn breaks the Kennett Curse
The game epitomised finals football. Electric, frenetic, full of adrenaline, and unpredictable.
Geelong led by 20 points at three-quarter time, yet early goals to Lance Franklin and Bradley Hill in the last reduced the margin to 12. Hawthorn's surge continued, as Jack Gunston's fourth goal narrowed it to single digits.
Then, with five and a half minutes left, Shaun Burgoyne made his mark. His goal to put the Hawks in front erupted the buzzing 'G, but the Cats had one last gasp.
With 40 seconds remaining and trailing by a goal, Steve Johnson spotted Travis Varcoe on his own inside 50. He gathered the ball on the bounce and lined up the goals to level the score. Extra time would likely follow, but Varcoe missed to the near side. With little time remaining, Hawthorn held on to win by five in a famous victory.
"Bring the hearse for the curse," Dennis Cometti said, with Geelong's 11-game unbeaten streak finally coming to an end. Hawks supporters could rejoice at last, with the cheers at the ground so loud that neither the players nor the umpire could hear the final siren.
A couple of weeks later, the team won against Fremantle in their first of three consecutive premierships. It also made up for the bitter defeat against Sydney in the previous year's grand final.
Johnson dominated the match. Amassing 32 possessions, second most on the ground behind Sam Mitchell's 38, and kicking four goals in an admirable effort for the Cats.
Gunston also kicked four, but Burgoyne was arguably the best on ground. A three-goal, 24-touch, six-tackle performance, encapsulated by a match-winning goal that no Hawks fan would forget. A game that rightfully cemented his classy nickname, 'Silk'.
All eyes are on Monday's game, which is a must-win game for Geelong. They will be looking to rebound from their lacklustre start after becoming the first premier in 47 years to start 0-3. Hawthorn on the other hand, are keen to build off of their win last week and see more promise from their young brigade. It's only a matter of days until another chapter in the thrilling tale waits to be unveiled.
