Bold statement: Geelong’s Grand Final core is thin on the ground for Monday’s rehearsal against Hawthorn, as almost half of last year’s decider lineup sits out. But here’s the twist: two unsigned Hawks prospects will get a golden opportunity to push for a list spot. And this is exactly where the drama begins to unfold.
Geelong will field a noticeably reshaped side for the hit-out at the Kennedy Community Centre, with several key names rested or sidelined. The Hawks, meanwhile, will welcome two fresh faces in Flynn Perez and Jack Riding, both hoping to secure one of the handful of remaining list spots before the March 2 signing deadline. Veteran trialist Ethan Stanley isn’t in the squad this time around.
As anticipated, Hawthorn will be without Jack Ginnivan due to a minor finger issue, while Finn Maginness returns to full match conditions for the first time since his kidney injury last year. Geelong, too, will be without important contributors, with Rhys Stanley, Mark Blicavs, and Jack Martin unavailable, and Shaun Mannagh and Zach Guthrie also omitted from this hit-out.
Geelong still won’t have Jeremy Cameron (quad) and Tyson Stengle for personal reasons, keeping their season-opening prospects in question. Nine senior players from both clubs – including Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield, Bailey Smith, Max Holmes, Tom Stewart, Lawson Humphries, and Hawthorn’s Blake Hardwick, Josh Battle, Jack Gunston, and Tom Barrass – will also miss to have participated in the AAMI AFL Origin clash the day prior.
That means only 12 of Geelong’s 23 players from last year’s Grand Final defeat will line up for this simulated match, underscoring the rebuild underway for both sides. For Geelong, it’s a chance for will-be stars and younger talents to stake their claims as the season approaches. For Hawthorn, the spotlight will be on James Worpel’s first competitive outing in the Hawks’ colours, and Tanner Bruhn’s return after last year’s off-field suspension was resolved.
With Stanley, Blicavs, and Toby Conway out, Will Edwards and versatile Sam De Koning are expected to shoulder the ruck load for the Cats. For Hawthorn, all eyes will be on Connor Macdonald and Josh Weddle as they shoulder more midfield duties in 2026, especially with Day sidelined again.
Fans can catch the live coverage of the Hawks vs Cats hit-out on AFL.com.au, with exclusive viewing on Kayo and Foxtel. The match is scheduled for Kennedy Community Centre at 1.45pm AEDT, featuring four 30-minute quarters with no extra time.
Projected squads (selected highlights):
- Hawthorn: Notables include Jai Newcombe, James Sicily, Ned Reeves, Connor Macdonald, Josh Weddle, Josh Ward, Cam Mackenzie, Finn Maginness, and others on the 30-man list; absent players include Tom Barrass, Jack Gunston, Josh Battle, Blake Hardwick, and Will Day among others.
- Geelong: Key inclusions feature James Worpel, Tanner Bruhn, and Sam De Koning, with attacking options in Will Edwards and other younger talents; absentees include Patrick Dangerfield, Bailey Smith, Max Holmes, Tom Stewart, Rhys Stanley, Jeremy Cameron, Tyson Stengle, Jack Martin, and several others listed.
Note: The lineups above reflect the announced selections and the typical squad management ahead of the season proper. This match serves as a critical gauge for both clubs as they refine positions, test combinations, and evaluate who might break into final lists for the 2026 campaign.
Controversy spark: Some fans argue these early hit-outs should be heavily weighted to the strongest available sides, while others insist on prioritizing development, even if it costs a few wins this month. Do you think teams should fully prioritize exposure for established stars, or lean into youth development even in trial games? Share your thoughts in the comments.
