<p>The traditional Easter Monday blockbuster is back to its original status.</p> <p>Age-old rivals Geelong and Hawthorn take centre stage in front of an expected 85,000 people at the MCG. It’s going to be big.</p> <p>Geelong demonstrated last week why, once again, they are too old, too slow, and just too good, as they ran over the top of the Crows, ably led by the inspirational Patrick Dangerfield and their experienced core.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hawthorn was brought down a rung last week as they were humbled by Port Adelaide in a Gather Round ambush. Sam Mitchell had been telling us for weeks that the Hawks were not playing anywhere near their best, and it showed on Sunday night. This leads us here. Perhaps the most significant Easter Monday clash in a decade, with both sides classified as ‘very good’? It’s set to be a cracker.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Cats vs Hawks predictions and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong vs Hawthorn Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Geelong Predicted Team</h3> <p>B: Zach Guthrie, Sam De Koning, Mark Blicavs</p> <p>HB: Lawson Humphries, Tom Stewart, Max Holmes&nbsp;</p> <p>C: Ollie Dempsey, Patrick Dangerfield, Jack Bowes</p> <p>HF: Shaun Mannagh, Shannon Neale, Ollie Henry</p> <p>F: Tyson Stengle, Jeremy Cameron, Gryan Miers</p> <p>Foll: Rhys Stanley, Bailey Smith, Tom Atkins</p> <p>Int: Oisin Mullin, Mark O’Connor, Connor O’Sullivan, Ted Clohesy, Brad Close</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Hawthorn Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <p>B: Jarman Impey, Tom Barass, Blake Hardwick</p> <p>HB: James Sicily, Josh Battle, Josh Weddle</p> <p>C: Karl Amon, Conor Nash, Massimo D’Ambrosio</p> <p>HF: Harry Morrison, Jack Gunston, Dylan Moore</p> <p>F: Nick Watson, Mabior Chol, Jack Ginnivan</p> <p>Foll: Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, James Worpel</p> <p>Int: Changkouth Jiath, Josh Ward, Cam Mackenzie, Finn Maginnes, Luke Breust</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong vs Hawthorn Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>While the Hawks have been in rebuild mode over the past few years, the Cats have dominated the head-to-head, winning four of the past five matches.</p> <p>Returning to the G should lift the Hawks' spirits; they’ve won their past eight games there by an average of 45 points.&nbsp;</p> <p>This game looms as a battle of ball movement between two sides that approach it differently.&nbsp;</p> <p>Last year, when ‘Hokball’ was all the rage, the Hawks ranked best in the competition for playing on from a mark and third for handballs. This year, they’re ranked 11th and 12th in these respective stats.</p> <p>The Cats, meanwhile, have perfected their running game out of the defensive 50, with ball movement starting through the likes of Max Holmes, Lawson Humphries, and Bailey Smith, powering the Cats forward with running meters and elite kicking.&nbsp;</p> <p>Then, of course, there’s the man called Patrick Dangerfield, who at 35, is still one of the best players in the competition. Do not take him for granted…</p> <p>Then, for the Hawks, the question arises of what to do with the skipper. Does he play back or go forward? It can’t just be veteran Jack Gunston as their only avenue to goal again, not against this Cats backline, so maybe putting him forward is the way to go this week.</p> <p>This one should be a beauty to close out the Easter round. The Cats are playing the better footy overall, but expect the Hawks to respond in a big way.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Hawthorn.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>A big stage presents the perfect opportunity for ‘The Wizard’ to hit his straps. It’s been an inconsistent start to the season so far for Nick Watson. An early goal should ignite the crowd nice and early and get him rolling for a big day.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Nick Watson.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>He’s not a household name at all, but ask any Cats fans about Zach Guthrie and they will rave to you about what he has become.</p> <p>He’s developed a knack for getting the ball quite a lot in recent times, having 30 a couple of weeks ago against Melbourne. If you’re looking for an outsider, he’s the one.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Zach Guthrie (25 + disposals).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong vs Hawthorn Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Monday, April 21, 2025.</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 3:20 PM, AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne.</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.</p>