This report details a pre-season match simulation between the Hawthorn Hawks and Geelong Cats, offering a preview of team compositions and early-season schedules. The simulation serves as an important benchmark for both clubs as they prepare for the official 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. The focus is on team lineups, player availability, and the broader context of the AFL's pre-season activities.
The AFL pre-season calendar for 2026 features a series of practice matches and the AAMI Community Series. These events provide fans and analysts with an early look at team strategies and player form. For Hawthorn, the simulation against Geelong highlighted the team's midfield depth in the absence of key players, while Geelong introduced new recruits. The broader schedule indicates a structured build-up to the main season, with different formats for practice games and community series matches.
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Squad Updates and Player Movements
Hawthorn faced Geelong in a match simulation, with several players listed as absent for the Hawks. These included:
Tom Barrass
Jack Gunston
Josh Battle
Blake Hardwick
Jack Ginnivan
Will Day (injured)
Cam Nairn
Will McCabe
Matt Leray
Cody Anderson
Jack Dalton
James Blanck
Matt Hill
Jamie Uhr-Henry
The absence of these players potentially offers opportunities for others. The report suggests a focus on the Hawks' midfield, with Josh Ward, Cam Mackenzie, and Connor Macdonald expected to gain more responsibility in the absence of James Worpel (not explicitly listed as absent but implied by context of midfield focus) and the injured Will Day. Jai Newcombe is also noted as a key figure in the engine room.
Geelong's squad for their second match simulation was also noted. The simulation marked the first appearance for new recruit Bailey Smith in a Geelong uniform.
Pre-Season Match Frameworks
The AFL's pre-season includes both "match simulations" and the "AAMI Community Series," with differing formats:
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| Series Type | Quarters | Time Adjustments | Interchange Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match Simulation | 4 x 30-minute quarters | No time on | Not specified | Hawthorn vs. Geelong simulation played Feb 16, 2025 |
| AAMI Community Series | 4 x 20-minute quarters | Plus time on | No cap | Matches played Feb 25 - Mar 1, 2026 |
| Other Practice Games | Varies (e.g., 4 x 25 min) | Varies (e.g., no time on) | Not specified | Various dates and formats |
The variation in match rules across different pre-season games allows clubs to test specific scenarios and player conditioning under different conditions.
Broader AFL Pre-Season Schedule
The pre-season activities extend across February and into early March 2026:
February 14: Western Australia vs. Victoria (AAMI AFL Origin)
February 16: Hawthorn vs. Geelong Cats (Match Simulation)
February 19: Western Bulldogs vs. Sydney Swans
February 20: Essendon vs. Richmond
February 21: Fremantle vs. West Coast Eagles
February 25: Carlton vs. Geelong Cats (AAMI Community Series)
February 27: Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn (AAMI Community Series)
All AAMI Community Series matches were broadcast on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.
Expert Analysis
While direct expert commentary on the match simulation's outcomes is not provided in the input data, the scheduling and squad announcements offer insight into club strategies. The inclusion of new recruits like Bailey Smith for Geelong and the observed emphasis on developing younger midfielders for Hawthorn are common pre-season objectives. The structure of the AAMI Community Series, with standard quarter lengths and time-on, mirrors the premiership season, serving as a crucial final preparation phase.
Conclusion
The pre-season match simulation between Hawthorn and Geelong, alongside the broader AAMI Community Series, provided an initial glimpse into the 2026 AFL season. Hawthorn's midfield adjustments and Geelong's debut of key recruits were notable aspects. The varied formats of pre-season games allow for comprehensive preparation. The schedule indicates a structured approach to the start of the season, with official broadcast partners ensuring widespread access to these preparatory matches.
Sources Used
foxsports.com.au: Provides live updates and squad information for the Hawthorn vs. Geelong simulation.
Link:
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/hawthorn-hawks/live-afl-preseason-2026-hawthorn-hawks-v-geelong-cats-match-simulations-live-scores-updates-stats-video-stream-result-news-blog-full-guide-and-how-to-watch/news-story/3bc8e94dbfa940891516de3b51cb6f86afl.com.au: Details the full schedule for the AAMI Community Series and practice matches.
Link:
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1459833/blues-and-cats-open-2026-aami-community-series-vic-giants-head-to-ballaratsportshistori.com: Offers a comprehensive list of 2026 pre-season fixtures, including match simulation dates and times.
Link:
https://www.sportshistori.com/2024/12/afl-pre-season-fixtures-dates-times-how-to-watch.htmlgeelongcats.com.au: Features a live blog for the Geelong vs. Hawthorn match simulation and highlights player introductions.
Link:
https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/1714818/geelong-v-hawthorn-match-simulation-live-blogsportingnews.com: Provides broadcast information and time zone translations for AFL match simulations.
Link:
https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/watch-geelong-hawthorn-live-stream-free-air-channel-time-afl/8687f78619b7cfe3605e49c9
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