The match drew a record crowd of 88,746, marking the highest attendance of the season and breaking the previous Easter Monday record set in 2008.

This loss marks Hawthorn's second consecutive defeat after a heavy loss to Port Adelaide, raising concerns about their competitiveness against top teams.

With this victory, Geelong improved their season record to 4-2, keeping them in contention for the top four in the league.

In a thrilling Easter Monday clash at the MCG, Geelong secured a narrow seven-point victory over Hawthorn, finishing 12.14 (86) to 11.13 (79).

Geelong maintained scoreboard pressure throughout the match, only trailing for two minutes and kicking the first two goals from their initial five inside 50 entries.

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield was instrumental, scoring three goals, including a pivotal one in the final quarter, bringing his season total to 14.

Key contributions also came from players like Tom Atkins and Jeremy Cameron, with Cameron scoring from a well-executed play initiated by Max Holmes.

Hawthorn struggled with kicking accuracy, achieving only 51% efficiency in the third quarter, which hampered their comeback efforts.

Hawthorn's captain James Sicily had a chance to narrow the margin but missed a crucial set shot, a missed opportunity that contributed to their defeat.

The match showcased the importance of experienced players, as Geelong's seasoned team displayed greater composure under pressure compared to Hawthorn's youthful squad.

The game featured a finals-like atmosphere, highlighting the intense rivalry between Geelong and Hawthorn, which has seen Geelong win 12 of the last 15 Easter Monday clashes since 2010.

As the season progresses, analysts are focusing on the performance of struggling teams like Hawthorn, while also acknowledging the contributions of rising stars from other clubs.