Annual Event - Easter Monday MCG Hawthorn v Geelong

Every Easter Monday, the MCG becomes a place for everyone affected by pancreatic cancer. Whatever team you follow, this is your day - a chance to stand together, make some noise, and remind the world that pancreatic cancer deserves so much more than it gets.

Why this fixture?

The Hawthorn v Geelong Easter Monday match at the MCG is one of the great fixtures in Australian football. It is also, now, something more - a game that carries the memory of two champions taken too soon by the same disease.
Dare to Hope are the official charity partner of Hawthorn Football Club.

Paul Dear

Hawthorn

Premiership footballer and Norm Smith Medallist. Diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in September 2020. Paul died in July 2022 - Dare to Hope was born from his determination to make something good from the worst of circumstances.

Michael "Mick" Turner

Geelong

A Geelong champion whose contribution to the club and the game is deeply remembered. 2024 Dare to Hope Match Day Ambassador. Mick died of pancreatic cancer in December 2024 - a loss felt across the football community and beyond.

Two clubs. Two champions. One disease. That is why this game matters - and why the pancreatic cancer community, regardless of the team they follow, belongs here.

Pancreatic cancer receives less than 2% of cancer research funding in Australia. It kills someone nearly every two hours. If you or someone you love has been impacted, being in that stadium on Easter Monday is something else. To see this disease take centre stage at the MCG - it is powerful, emotional, and deeply meaningful.

Be a part of Match Day 2027

We start planning early. Register your interest now and you'll be the first to hear when tickets, merchandise, and volunteer spots open up.

Past Dare to Hope Matches

On Easter Monday, April 6th, 2026, Hawthorn and Geelong played a nail biter with the Hawks eventual 1 point winners. Find out more here.

Next Match - Easter Monday March 29th, 2027.
Geelong v Hawthorn - MCG