Jake Niall says this is the game to help resurrect a forgettable season. Read more.

Hawthorn and Geelong's extraordinary run of close, dramatic games stretches back to 2007. Read more.

The fallout from Carlton's first win of 2014 is extreme for the Blues, with three serious injuries - including a five-week hamstring tear for Chris Judd - marring a bold performance last night against the Dogs. Read more.

Man for man, these teams appear surprisingly well matched, despite Geelong having fallen from premiership favouritism prior to the season. Only five points separated the teams in last year's thrilling preliminary final.

Matthew Lloyd says Hawthorn and Geelong are the greatest modern teams. Read more.

Only hours before its most hotly-anticipated game of the season, the AFL has opened the door for club members who had been told they needed to pay extra to attend, that they can now do so for free. Read more.

Jon Pierik reports that the Hawks are still keen for 'payback' on the Cats, despite knocking them over at their last meeting, to break the Kennett Curse. Read more.

Injured Geelong star Daniel Menzel tells us he is still about 3 months away from a return. #AFL — 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) April 21, 2014

Penny for your thoughts @CyrilRioli33? He watches one of the TVs in the rooms pulling in the @FOXFOOTY coverage pic.twitter.com/uKcDBYI8uz — Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) April 21, 2014

Injured Cat, Dan Menzel says his surgeon has found his knee is genetically "more inclined" to have ACL problems. pic.twitter.com/HEfWqYeOEE — 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) April 21, 2014

Prior to Hawthorn's drought-breaking win in that classic 2013 Preliminary Final, the Cats had won their previous 11 matches against the Hawks by an average of just 11 points - five of those victories were by a goal or less!

Geelong's 11-game winning streak against Hawthorn, which was snapped in last year's preliminary final, was the Cats' greatest ever stretch of dominance over the Hawks.

No changes to either team for today's clash. Mitch Hallahan is the sub for Hawthorn; Jackson Sheringham dons the vest for the Cats.null

In case you're driving to the game today...

Car park Gate 3 in Yarra Park is now closed. Still limited space available via Gate 5 and 6 on Punt Road. #aflcatshawks — Melbourne Cricket Gd (@MCG) April 21, 2014

Cult hero from the @HawthornFC live in the box before the game #AFLCatsHawks pic.twitter.com/09I98ukloO — 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) April 21, 2014

No problems with these hammies... #AFLCatsHawks pic.twitter.com/xezsrypK7s — Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) April 21, 2014

Geelong aiming to start a season 5-0 for the third time in four years today and Hawthorn are gunning for a 5-0 record for the first time since 2008 - a premiership year for the Hawks... Maybe it will be a very good omen for Alastair Clarkson's men if they triumph today!

Hawthorn haven't registered consecutive wins against Geelong since Round 4, 2007.