Tom Stewart says Cats remain confident as Hawthorn-Geelong rivalry carries on

Geelong and Hawthorn enter Easter Monday sitting in the bottom two spots on the ladder. But the heat is still there in one of footy’s great rivalries.

There is still spite in the Geelong-Hawthorn rivalry. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Fierce combatants Geelong and Hawthorn remain adamant their rivalry still burns strong as Cats star Tom Stewart declares his “motivation levels are at all-time high” heading into the Easter Monday blockbuster.

The round 4 clash is suddenly a must-win proposition for the reigning premier Cats, who sit dead last on the ladder, one spot below the Hawks.

The Cats-Hawks rivalry was at its best in the mid-2010s. Picture:Wayne Ludbey

It’s a far cry from the glory days of a decade ago when both clubs were persistent premiership contenders but former Geelong Falcon turned Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel said the heat is still strong ahead of the marquee clash.

“Growing up as a Geelong supporter, the whole family were Geelong supporters, I used to pencil this in as one of the bigger games of the year so it is a privilege to play in it and it will be good come Monday,” he said.

James Worpel fires off a handball. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Cats vice-captain Stewart said the never-ending stories of the fierce rivalry through the 2010s still bubbled at Kardinia Park.

“As a Geelong person, it’s hard not to buy into it,” he said.

“I used to love watching the Easter Monday clash, some of the stories and adages that come out of it are brilliant.

“Having that opportunity to play against Hawthorn, who are a massive club with a rich history, I really put it in the calendar as one to have earmarked.”

The weight of the occasion sits heavier with Geelong heading to the MCG on Monday, with the winless Cats staring down the barrel of a 0-4 start to the season.

Tom Stewart is fired up to fix Geelong’s woes. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Given the Hawks shocked the league by sneaking past the Cats last year as the two teams headed in different directions, Stewart knew there was no guarantee this week would be any walkover.

But after captain Patrick Dangerfield said during the week that the team’s confidence may have waned, Stewart’s belief has not altered.

“There has been no confidence that’s waned on my behalf, I am fully aware of what we can deliver if we play the game our way but unfortunately we haven’t been able to do that for long enough in the first three rounds,” he said.

“My belief in this group and this club is massive and the opportunity to come out here against Hawthorn is something I am really looking forward to.

“To be in the position we are in and to come up against the Hawks on Easter Monday, potentially it might be a couple of per cent more (motivation) but I won’t speak for anybody else, my motivation levels are at an all-time high regardless of who we play or when we play them.”

Originally published as Tom Stewart says Cats remain confident as Hawthorn-Geelong rivalry carries on