In a highly anticipated preseason showdown, the young Hawthorn Hawks take on the Geelong Cats, but will they soar or stumble? This clash is more than just a friendly scrimmage.
The 2026 AFL season is gearing up, and today marks the beginning of a series of intense club-versus-club scrimmages. The Hawks, eager to prove their mettle, host the Cats at their brand-new training facility in Dingley.
But here's the twist: this encounter is more than a mere warm-up. With the game being broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo, and a live blog to keep fans updated, the pressure is on. And with no official stats page for these simulations, every moment will be scrutinized by eager analysts and fans alike.
Geelong, missing several key players from their Grand Final squad, will be a different beast today. Meanwhile, Hawthorn showcases its potential with Flynn Perez and Jack Riding vying for a spot on the team.
All eyes will be on Cats recruit James Worpel, who gets his first taste of action in the club's colors. Meanwhile, the Hawks' Connor Macdonald and Josh Weddle are poised to make their mark in the midfield, a position they're expected to dominate this season.
And this is where it gets intriguing: with extended squads named, the battle for positions intensifies. Will the newcomers make an impact, or will experience prevail?
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates from the Kennedy Community Centre, where the action kicks off at 1.45 pm AEDT. Will the Hawks soar to victory, or will the Cats claw their way to dominance? Only time will tell.
What are your predictions for this preseason encounter? Do you think these scrimmages are a true indicator of a team's potential, or is it all just a game of strategy and experimentation?
