VFL Grand Final: Old rivalry renewed as Cats meet Hawks for flag

There is just something about Cats v Hawks in the Grand Final – and it’s not something Geelong looks on too fondly.

Think 1989 and 2008 in the AFL. But also think 2013 in the VFL, the last time Geelong qualified for the State League decider, when it’s bid for back-to-back premierships fell short at the hands of, you guessed it, Box Hill Hawks.

The two rivals will meet again at Ikon Park on Sunday (2:05pm AEST) with the silverware on the line once more.

Geelong has been the dominant team all year, winning 18 of its 20 matches by an average of 51 points and only twice being pushed inside 20 points as it rolled Tasmania and Port Melbourne in the finals to get here.

The Cats hammered the Hawks by 47 points at GMHBA Stadium back in round two, leading by as much as 70 late in the third term before they put the cue in the rack.

But Box Hill, which brings a 14-6 record into the Grand Final after finishing third on the ladder and defeating Werribee and Essendon in tight preliminary finals, is experienced, battle-hardened, and extremely proud.

The Cats boast a powerful big-bodied midfield of Liston medallist George Stevens, Jack Bowes and Mitch Knevitt underneath budding ruckman Joe Pike, a sharpshooter in attack in Jamieson Ballantyne and a strong defence led by former Cat and Magpie Nathan Kreuger.

The Hawks’ midfield boasts Henry Hustwaite, Finn Maginness and Trent Bianco, while their defence of Jack Scrimshaw, Noah Mraz, captain Stu Horner and Bodie Ryan is strong and the forward line features dual Frosty Miller medallist Brodie McLaughlin, Calsher Dear and Aidan Schubert.

It promises to be a cracking contest, likely to be matched by the VFLW Grand Final between first-timer Williamstown and back-to-back champions North Melbourne-Werribee.

Norwood and Sturt will lock horns in the SANFL Grand Final in a match that could go either way, while Peel Thunder will start slight favourites against Claremont in the WAFL decider.

Prediction: Geelong by 25 points.

@JontyTheCaller