In a thrilling pre-season clash at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong triumphed over Hawthorn with a decisive 20-point victory, earning a final score of 15.16 (106) against 13.8 (86). This game was the perfect stage for debut appearances by Bailey Smith and Josh Battle, with Smith impressing early and Battle briefly withdrawing in the fourth quarter due to injury.
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Geelong’s Dominance Hinges on Stellar Forward Performances
The Cats’ first half was marked by their dynamic forward line, with players like Ollie Henry, Brad Close, Jeremy Cameron, and Shannon Neale contributing significantly. Ollie Henry’s four-goal performance highlighted his potential as a pivotal player for Geelong, while Brad Close and Shannon Neale each notched three and two goals respectively, displaying a potent forward combination ready for the upcoming season.
Henry’s Epic Boundary Line Goal Shows Cats’ Offensive Depth
Henry particularly stood out in the third term, striking two goals in quick succession to secure the Cats’ lead. One of these goals, a clean finish from the boundary line, was spectacular and would likely have been considered for Goal of the Year if it were a regular match. This goal, along with his other performances, underscores Henry’s adaptability and lethal finishing ability.
Will Day Energizes Hawthorn’s Push for Equality
Although the Hawks staged a spirited second-half comeback, Will Day’s performance was a standout. Despite returning following collarbone surgery, Day demonstrated his class by reading the play and pushing forward to take goal opportunities. His versatility and leadership qualities hint at his potential to thrive in Hawthorn’s midfield-forward connection.
“That’s a real highlight to his game and what we’ve seen today,” AFLW Bulldogs star Ellie Blackburn commented on Day’s second goal. “Being able to read the play really quickly and adapt. Getting forward of the footy and getting those clearances out the front of stoppages, which you love to see. Jeez, it’s exciting to watch.”
Geelong’s Continual Evolution a Threat to Contenders
Chris Scott’s Geelong showcased a strong pre-season performance, a testament to their ability to continually evolve and reinvigorate their team. This year’s Cats forward line, coupled with the midfield talent of players like Sam De Koning, Mitch Edwards, and Rhys Stanley, positions them as a formidable force in the 2025 AFL season.
Reigning Carji Greeves Medallist Holmes Sparks Midfield
Max Holmes, a recipient of the Carji Greeves Medallist in 2023, added to Geelong’s momentum by running through the midfield with precision. His dynamic performance, combined with others like Mitch Knevitt and Connor O’Sullivan, suggests a well-rounded and competitive midfield unit.
Pre-season Omissions Highlight Strategy and Depth
Notably, several key players were absent due to injury or the Indigenous All-Stars game. Geelong’s squad without Shaun Mannagh, Cam Guthrie, and Jack Martin, alongside Lawson Humphries and Tyson Stengle recovering, demonstrates their depth and resilience in managing player availability.
Conversely, Hawthorn’s absence of key players like Nick Watson, Massimo D’Ambrosio, Luke Breust, and Changkuoth Jiath, alongside the Indigenous team members Jarman Impey and Karl Amon, exposed potential vulnerabilities. Despite these absences, the team showed flashes of promise, especially with Will Day’s contributions.
Geelong’s Success in Pre-season Simulations Continues
Geelong’s ability to secure a significant pre-season win emphasizes their competitive edge as they prepare for 2025. The team’s dominance in front of goal and steadfast defense, despite occasional inaccuracy, hints at their solid preparation and adaptability to match situations.
Final Thoughts: Cats Forward Line Deserves Attention
Given the performances of Ollie Henry, Brad Close, and the rest of the Cats’ forward unit, coaching staff and bettors alike will need to pay close attention to this aspect of Geelong’s team. Their ability to bring together tall finishing targets and strong one-on-one takers creates a potent combination that could challenge any opposition.
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Geelong Squad
- 1. Rhys Stanley
- 2. Jay Polkinghorne
- 3. Bailey Smith
- 4. Tanner Bruhn
- 5. Jeremy Cameron
- 8. Jake Kolodjashnij
- 9. Max Holmes
- 10. Mitchell Knevitt
- 11. Mitchell Edwards
- 12. Jack Bowes
- 13. Jhye Clark
- 14. Connor O’Sullivan
- 15. George Stevens
- 16. Sam De Koning
- 21. Oliver Wiltshire
- 22. Mitchell Duncan
- 23. Jed Bews
- 28. Ollie Dempsey
- 30. Tom Atkins
- 32. Gryan Miers
- 33. Shannon Neale
- 34. Oisin Mullin
- 35. Patrick Dangerfield
- 36. Ollie Henry
- 38. Jack Henry
- 39. Zac Guthrie
- 40. Ted Clohesy
- 42. Mark O’Connor
- 44. Tom Stewart
- 45. Brad Close
- 46. Mark Blicavs
Hawthorn Squad
- 1. Harry Morrison
- 3. Jai Newcombe
- 5. James Worpel
- 6. James Sicily
- 7. Ned Reeves
- 8. Sam Frost
- 11. Conor Nash
- 12. Will Day
- 13. Dylan Moore
- 14. Jack Scrimshaw
- 15. Blake Hardwick
- 17. Lloyd Meek
- 18. Mabior Chol
- 19. Jack Gunston
- 20. Finn Maginness
- 21. Noah Mraz
- 23. Josh Weddle
- 24. Josh Battle
- 25. Josh Ward
- 26. Bodie Ryan
- 27. Will McCabe
- 28. Cam Mackenzie
- 29. Jai Serong
- 31. Connor Macdonald
- 33. Jack Ginnivan
- 38. Max Ramsden
- 39. Jasper Scaife
- 40. Seamus Mitchell
- 42. Bailey Macdonald
- 44. Henry Hustwaite
As the 2025 AFL season looms, this pre-season match is just a foretaste of the battles to come. Geelong’s forward line, led by Ollie Henry and supported by a robust midfield, is poised to be one of the standout units this competition.
Whether you’re a fan of the Cats or a betting enthusiast, it’s clear that Geelong will be a team to watch in 2025. Their performances in these initial pre-season simulations provide a compelling look at their future potential.
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CTA: Join the Discussion
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