Shifting gears from all the “where will so-and-so play in 2026” talk… there is a bit of history to this weekend’s massive Preliminary Finals.
That should be the story – so let’s make it so.
Whilst a lot of people seem fixated on the scenarios unfolding at clubs who are not competing to make the 2025 AFL Grand Final, this weekend holds plenty for footy lovers.
On Friday night, we get the Hawks and the Cats at a packed MCG. Some of you know, I am a Hawks man, however, I will admit I am a lover of the game as much as I am a lover of one team. Even if I were a neutral, this game would be right up my alley.
I’ve written much about the Hawks and Cats Rivalries over the years. Hell, I have three separate “Oral History” pieces detailing the following events in the clubs’ storied past.
And now, we get another chapter.
It has been 12 long years since Shaun Burgoyne dropped the hammer, ran into goal and killed the Geelong win-streak that saw them dominate their rivals following the 2008 Grand Final – the one that got away. And now, here we are again, with these two rivals facing off in the Preliminary Final.
Hopefully Jeff Kennett can shut his mouth in the lead up.
Here are five Big Questions from this one.
The remainder of this article is for our members. They support me, and I provide for them. It’s a good deal.
Oh… a Mongrel paywall… the worst of all paywalls. Why? Because HB believes work such as this is worth a mere pittance per day. Whilst you could stick with Caro’s Arrow or Kane’s Vol-Kane-O, you’ll get your 500 words in the newspaper and be happy, or you could dive articles like this at 3.3k. If you don’t want to, that’s fine. You’re welcome to join and keep reading if you do.
