“What they don’t have, I think, is the quality of some of our players; they don’t have the psychological drive we have. We’ve beaten Geelong when it matters.” – Jeff Kennett (2009)
Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett in front of a victorious Hawks crowd. (Photo: Drew H Douglas)
It’s been just short of five years since Hawthorn last beat Geelong.
After the 2008 Grand Final, when the Hawks stunned the Cats by 26 points, the boys from Kardinia Park made a pact.
Since then, Geelong has held an 11-0 record against Hawthorn, in what has become known as “The Kennett Curse”.
The Hawks must beat the curse in this Friday night’s preliminary final.
Each of the previous meetings has felt like a final, but the prize on offer for the winner is enormous – only one team can claim a place in this year’s big dance.
If Hawthorn were to lose, it would be another season wasted – especially after holding the title of premiership favourites for the bulk of the season.
According to Rohan Connolly, the Cats own “modern football’s most famous winning streak” – but it counts for little if they lose this weekend in the match that really matters.
Hawthorn will never be better placed to beat Geelong.
Superstars Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli will both return to the Hawks line up, fresh from a week off after a convincing qualifying final win against Sydney.
The Cats will be without the services of a man who thrives on the big occasions, Paul Chapman, and a less than fully fit key forward in Tom Hawkins.
The Hawks have been the best side in the AFL this season on form, but have lost twice to Geelong this year already.
Here is their best chance to bury “The Kennett Curse” once and for all.
