LIVE UPDATES: Geelong battle old rivals Hawthorn for first place in AFL grand final
The latest generation of stars is set to write the next chapter of Geelong and Hawthorns’ long and storied rivalry in tonight’s preliminary final.
Follow all the action from the MCG with our live blog.
The avalanche
Chris Scott has found the key to unlock the Cats at half-time and the home side now have five goals in a row to open a big break.
Close put his body on the line to secure the footy before handing off to Holmes who made light work of the finish.
GEE 62, HAW 42
Fired up!
The Cats have the opening goal of the second half in just over 30 seconds.
They got the ball forward with some chaos and Stengle took advatage to snap the ball home.
GEE 49, HAW 42
HALF-TIME: Geelong 43, Hawthorn 42
We have a game on our hands!
Hawthorn had most of the play in the first half but the Cats clung on and made the most of their momentum to end the half.
Geelong lowering their eyes made a real difference to avoid Barrass and Battle.
Gunston has been sensational at the other end as well while Ginnivan has been busy with 15 disposals.
Smith and Amon have 16 touches each to lead all-comers.
Geelong lead the clearances by three but have an eight to three advatage at centre bounces.
Cats are back
You can never hold a good team down for Geelong.
For all of Hawthorn’s wins in this quarter, the Cats have made it a two-goal game.
Their ability to hang in when things are not going as well as they’d like is remarkable.
Smith is starting to turn the tide in midfield with a game-high 16 disposals.
GEE 40, HAW 42
Magic!
The Wizard Nick Watson has lived up to his nickname.
He roved a soft drop from Gunston before dropping the ball onto his left boot while running away from the goal and somehow found the bick sticks.
Outstanding forward craft!
GEE 27, HAW 42
Lewis x3
Geelong grabbed one goal back but the Hawks went bang, bang through Lewis and the Hawks get the break.
Lewis and Gunston are looking strong with marking on the lead and in the one-on-ones.
The Cats defender need to start getting the ball to ground, while somehow nursing Henry.
GEE 21, HAW 36
Neale!!
The big West Aussie forward has brought the Cats right back into the contest on the scoreboard.
He has taken two strong clunks up forward and despite his set shot appearing to be missing to the right, it swung back and fell through the goals.
Doesn’t matter how it goes through I guess!!
GEE 15, HAW 24
Grand Final blow
Tom Stewart will miss the grand final should Geelong make it after being subbed out at quarter time with concussion.
Jhye Clark enters the contest but a major blow for Geelong.
Jack Henry has come back onto the ground but does not look great.
QUARTER TIME: Geelong 9, Hawthorn 22
The Cats very nearly went a quarter without scoring a major but Dangerfield nailed a set shot late after a free kick.
The Hawks have had control of the game but the stats are pretty even and the Cats just need to calm their decision-making down a touch.
Both teams have showed willingness to tackle and chase in great signs for the game overall.
Nash has 10 disposals for Hawthorn while Smith has nine for Geelong.
Dangerous tackle?
Chol could face MRO scrutiny after he drilled Stewart in a tackle.
The Cat defender tried to burst through contact but Chol caught him on the way out and burried him in the turf.
Their was no malice but Chol is a big man and Stewart hit his head on the ground and seemed to then grab at his wrist before leaving the ground.
Meanwhile, Henry has been doing a fitness test on the sidelines.
GEE 1, HAW 22
