The start of the AFL pre-season has seen long-standing rivals Hawthorn and Geelong face each other in a match that carries added significance. The game marks the first unofficial encounter for James Worpel against his former team, Hawthorn, following his move to Geelong. This clash, described as a meeting of "bitter rivals," is a key event for fans looking to gauge team performance and player transitions early in the season.
Pre-Season Games Begin with Key Player Matchups
AFL pre-season matches have commenced, with the Hawthorn Hawks and Geelong Cats engaging in a notable contest. The game is positioned as an important marker for both clubs as they prepare for the upcoming official season. Attention is particularly focused on the Hawthorn midfield, which will be operating without James Worpel, now with Geelong, and the injured Will Day. This absence is expected to provide opportunities for players like Josh Ward, Connor Macdonald, and Henry Hustwaite to step up, alongside Jai Newcombe.
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Match Details and Broadcast Information
The match between Hawthorn and Geelong was scheduled to be broadcast live on Fox Footy (channel 504) and Kayo Sport starting at 1:45 PM. The article highlights the live blog coverage for updates, scores, statistics, and video streams.
Player Absences and Team Changes
Several players were noted as absent for the Hawthorn squad. These include:
Tom Barrass
Jack Gunston
Josh Battle
Blake Hardwick
Jack Ginnivan
Will Day
Cam Nairn
Will McCabe
Matt Leray
Cody Anderson
Jack Dalton
James Blanck
Matt Hill
Jamie Uhr-Henry
The absence of Will Day due to injury is particularly significant for Hawthorn's midfield strategy.
Brendan Fevola Involved in Separate Match Altercation
In an unrelated event, AFL personality Brendan Fevola was involved in a physical altercation during a local football match. While playing for the South Whyalla club in South Australia, Fevola participated in a heated melee that involved two rival players. The report states he is scheduled for surgery and is in hospital following the incident. Fevola managed to kick two goals in his team's narrow two-point victory over rivals Central Whyalla before the scuffle occurred. The report also mentions singer Guy Sebastian participating in the same match.
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Expert Analysis:
The pre-season, while primarily for team development and testing, often becomes a stage for intriguing player narratives and unexpected on-field events. Player transitions, like Worpel's move, add a layer of personal drama to the competitive aspect of the sport. Incidents such as Fevola's are generally considered outside the scope of standard team performance analysis but highlight the passionate, and sometimes volatile, nature of local football.
Conclusion
The pre-season AFL fixture between Hawthorn and Geelong presented an early opportunity to observe team dynamics and player performances. The most prominent narrative revolved around James Worpel's return to face his former club, Hawthorn, alongside the strategic adjustments Hawthorn must make due to player absences. Separately, the involvement of Brendan Fevola in a physical confrontation underscored the intense rivalries that can emerge even in non-official matches within Australian Rules Football.
Sources
Star’s first clash with old side after move as bitter rivals collide: AFL pre-season LIVE
Published: 23 hours ago
Summary: Provides details on the Hawthorn vs. Geelong pre-season match, including player absences and broadcast information.
AFL legend Brendan Fevola fights two men in footy grudge match
Published: Jun 30, 2025
Summary: Reports on Brendan Fevola's involvement in a fight during a local football match in South Australia.
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