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2026 Dare to Hope Match - Hard Conversations

In front of a crowd of 84,712 at the MCG, Hawthorn and Geelong delivered one of the most gripping matches of their ongoing rivalry – when the final siren sounded, the Hawks had held on by the narrowest of margins, claiming a one-point victory in a contest that had hearts in mouths right to the end.

It was the kind of football that reminds you why we love this game.

But the result on the scoreboard, as thrilling as it was, was only part of the story.

Grant Mc Cabe - Chairman Geelong Cats, Harry Dear, Maya Dear, Nate Dear, Calsher Dear, Cherie Dear , Dr Matteo Golo- DTH Fellowship Recipient, Andy Gowers - President Hawthorn Football Club

Announcing the 2026 Dare to Hope Postdoctoral Fellowship Recipient in the Bay of Hope

Funding pancreatic cancer research is our mission.  We were proud to announce our next funded researcher in a Press Conference before the 2026 match started.  Our newest Postdoctoral Fellowship recipient is Dr Matteo Golo, of the Garvan Institute, NSW. Find out more about Dr Matteo Golo here.  The announcement was made in our Bay of Hope - a powerful and moving installation of personalised silhouette’s representing those we who have lost their lives to pancreatic cancer. Before the match supporters were invited to make a donation to personalise their silhouette.

On match day, a dedicated tribe of volunteers worked tirelessly to install the silhouettes before the first bounce in this moving tribute.

The Paul Dear Memorial Medal

Each year, the Paul Dear Memorial Medal is awarded to the Hawthorn player judged Most Courageous on the day - a tribute that carries deep meaning for the Dear. This year, the medal was presented to Jarman Impey, whose performance epitomised the spirit and determination that Paul brought to everything he did. Congratulations, Jarman - it is richly deserved.

Jarman Impey, Calsher Dear, David Mortimer - Major Sponsor, Cherie Dear

Thank You

To our supporters, donors, hard working volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who joined us at the MCG or contributed from afar - thank you. Days like this don't happen without you.

Dare to Hope 2026 Gallery

Click on images below to preview the gallery

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