Hawks picture clearer as train-on seizes chance; Cats teen turns heads — What we learned

Footy fans are getting their first genuine look at how all 18 clubs are shaping up ahead of the 2026 season.

Every club will take part in an unofficial match simulation — comprising varying formats — from Monday, February 16 to Saturday, February 21.

Watch the 2026 AFL pre-season match sims and AAMI Community Series LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Foxfooty.com.au analyses what we learned about all 18 teams during this one-week period.

HAWKS-CATS RECAP: Blunt response to trade miss as ‘clubhouse leader’ for rookie lifeline emerges: 3-2-1

HAWTHORN

Result: 17-point win over Geelong (111-94)

Match report:Hawthorn vs. Geelong match simulation

What we learned: Former top-10 draft pick Josh Ward might be at the front of the queue for more inside midfield minutes in the absence of the injured Will Day and departed James Worpel, but the Hawks appear likely to use a rotation of bodies in a ‘committee’ approach to covering the voids. All of Ward, Cam Mackenzie and Connor Macdonald had a handful of good moments on Monday against the Cats, with Hawthorn’s starting ball-up mix comprising Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, Ward and Macdonald. Along with Mackenzie, Conor Nash, Dylan Moore, Nick Watson and Josh Weddle all had cracks in the guts at stages, with Henry Hustwaite and Ollie Greeves featuring late in proceedings. But Ward arguably had the most eye-catching moments, consistently showing an ability to be both clean at the contest and damaging with his possessions in transition. Probed on the things the Hawks wanted to see on Monday, assistant coach David Hale — playing the role of senior coach for the day — said post-game on Monday: “Players’ exposure in certain roles — Connor Macdonald and Josh Weddle having a play around the ball, seeing that midfield mix with Ward and Mackenzie and those guys (that) are going to spend a bit of time there.” The 23-year-old Macdonald, a standout across the summer as he looks to expand his game beyond merely a half-forward opportunist, was able to find space through the corridor and use his dash to create attacking opportunities. “Players like Macdonald, who are supremely skilled, they (the Hawks) might roll five or six through, and just show different variations at different times of games,” Kayo Sports caller Sam Hargreaves suggested in commentary on Monday. “It might just be done by committee than by one big-name recruit.” Meanwhile, a key narrative was the SSP battle for the Hawks’ two vacant list spots. But while there are two, the club might only choose to use one at this early point in the year, with ex-Roos-listed backman Flynn Perez putting his best foot forward of the bunch. Apart from setting sail for a long-range goal, Perez turned heads with his ball use, with a highlight coming in the third quarter when he pulled off a ripping kick from half-back into the middle of the ground, setting up a chain that ended in a Calsher Dear goal. “Perez has been able to slot into the backline with a few guys missing (due to) playing State of Origin. He’s shown he can use the ball well. His kicking today at times was really good,” Hale said. Fellow SSP hopeful Jack Riding also had a few nice moments in defence, but Perez is regarded as the “clubhouse leader” for a spot, at this stage.

GEELONG

Result: 17-point loss to Hawthorn (94-111)

Match report:Hawthorn vs. Geelong match simulation

What we learned: Livewire Ollie Dempsey could be something special this year. Lining up for portions as a pure inside midfielder on Monday, the 2024 Rising Star showed his exhilarating dash in open space but was also physical at the contest when he had to be. Dempsey played on a wing and up forward last year, but if Monday’s effort is any indication, he could be set to stamp his influence in the centre square. A moment in the second quarter provided a tantalising preview of what Dempsey could be this year, starting the term at the centre ball-up before pushing forward and marking inside 50 for a shot on goal. Granted, all of Bailey Smith, Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn were absent against the Hawks, but there’ll be little doubt in anyone’s mind that Dempsey can expand his skillset into the engine room. Hard-nosed two-gamer George Stevens also bobbed up for some nice moments – including starting the game in the guts – highlighted by a goal after shrugging off an opponent, but he’s unlikely to feature in the Cats’ on-ball rotation, barring injury to others. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Jay Polkinghorne was one of the day’s big stories, providing Chris Scott some food for thought ahead of the season proper. The second-year forward presented his case as a tall forward option alongside Shannon Neale – who booted a team-high four majors – on Monday, exhibiting an ability to lead into space and mark strongly, as well as finish his work, booting three goals in Dingley. The 191-centimetre 19-year-old managed to get free inside 50 on more than one occasion, looking dangerous all afternoon. “He’s been really handy up forward for Geelong today,” Kayo Sports commentator Sam Hargreaves said. “Just a different style of forward for them … maybe they’re looking for that third potentially leading target.” With Jeremy Cameron in the wars with injury and Tyson Stengle absent, Polkinghorne, the Pick 24 in 2024, proved his viability as more than one spot up forward appears up for grabs. Ollie Henry was also dangerous against Hawthorn, booting three goals to put his hand up for a return to Chris Scott’s side after falling out of favour at the business end of last year.