The Hawks and Cats who stood out in opening practice match

Hawthorn has claimed victory over Geelong in the first official practice match of 2026.

The Hawks overcame a slow start to win by 17 points (111 to 94) at the Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley.

With a glut of new faces, young talents and esteemed stars participating in a four-quarter hit out, the first club-versus-club display revealed a wide array of talking points ahead of the year to come.

From position changes to standout performers, here is what stood out to us.

Hawthorn's engine room is up to scratch

No Will Day certainly hurts but the Hawks' midfield mix could have enough to compete with the best.

Alongisde Jai Newcombe, Josh Ward looks in superb nick, ready to elevate his game to the next level after years of strong development.

Josh Weddle played all over the ground and looked every bit a superstar-in-the-making. He is certain to spend time around the ball and higher up the ground this season in what could be a proper breakout year.

Connor Macdonald was one of the side's most prominent centre bounce rovers, with Conor Nash, Dylan Moore, Nick Watson and Cam Mackenzie earning minutes in a midfield that comfortably outran the Cats.

Although its only a small sample size, the Hawks look to have settled on a handy enough mix.

Star winger has found a new home

Ollie Dempsey has shifted into the guts and looks very much a star.

In from the first bounce, Dempsey covered the ground with ease, finding plenty of football and using it to elite effect.

If he can solidify an on ball rotation alongside Bailey Smith, Tom Atkins and Max Holmes, the Cats could very well be one of the most dangerous transition teams in the competition.

Four to the floor

Calsher Dear, Mitch Lewis and Mabior Chol all competed and competed well in today's hit out.

While Dear went down hurt early, he returned to the park and looked dangerous throughout, whilst a healthy Lewis showed his dominant capabilities within the front half and beyond.

With both Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves competing in the ruck, Chol was given freedom to roam and did so well, and Jack Gunston is sure to maintain his spot upon his return from Origin.

Draftee Aidan Schubert also looked sharp as another key forward option for a side that is now spoilt for choice inside forward 50.

The four talls could very much run it back if they continue to operate successfully - as they have today.

Geelong aren't short on ruckmen

They might have missed out on Rowan Marshall, but the Cats are far from lacking in the ruck department.

In the absence of veterans Mark Blicavs and Rhys Stanley, Sam De Koning claimed duties from the jump and looks the perfect mould for the AFL's new ruck rules.

With elite athleticism, De Koning could very well see himself at centre bounce far more often than past years.

Alongside De Koning, Mitch Edwards looks ready to compete at AFL level, whilst Shannon Neale - who also looks primed to explode - is prepped to give a chop-out in the front half.

SSP option looked the part

Flynn Perez certainly did enough to impress during his first hit out as a Hawk.

Coming off the back flank, Perez showed plenty of promise, kicking a strong goal from outside 50 and offering plenty on the overlap.

With the likes of Weddle shifting higher up the ground, Perez could prove a very solid option to slot behind the ball if awarded one of the available SSP spots.

Another Geelong gem?

The Cats have a knack of finding draft gems and it might have happened yet again.

Jay Polkinghorne looked right at home as a marking option in side forward 50, kicking three goals from seven shots.

The athletic 190cm forward, who kicked 31 goals in the VFL last year, was taken with Pick 44 in the 2024 draft.

Could Polkinghorne be a wildcard option for Chris Scott if Jeremy Cameron's broken arm is not ready for the start of the season?

In the absence of Cameron, Shannon Neale booted four goals and Ollie Henry chimed in with three majors of his own as he strives to break back into the senior team.

The next official practice match takes place on Wednesday afternoon, with reigning premiers Brisbane hosting Carlton at Brighton Homes Arena.