GEELONG and Hawthorn will play off in next Saturday's 2008 AFL grand final, after both sides overcame challengers the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda in their respective preliminary finals.

The Cats clawed off a late charge in the final quarter from Rodney Eade's hard-running Bulldogs to win by 29 points, while Hawthorn continued where it left off against the Bulldogs in the first week of the finals, putting St Kilda's season to bed and charging into the club's first grand final since 1991 by nine goals.

Bests for the Cats included Gary Ablett, Andrew Mackie and Max Rooke -- whose hardness created his match-clutching goal.

And for Hawthorn, despite Buddy Franklin failing to have his usual impact following an excellent stopping job by veteran Saints full back Max Hudghton, the Hawks' forward line reigned supreme. Mark Williams kicked a bag of five, Roughead nailed four whilst Michael Osborne and young superstar Cyril Rioli loomed dangerous.

Captain Sam Mitchell and key on-ballers Brad Sewell and Jordan Lewis were also outstanding, gathering 87 possessions between the trio, including 18 clearances.