A Tale of Missing Cats and Golden Opportunities for the Hawks
Get ready for an exciting preview of the upcoming AFL season! While the Geelong Cats will be missing some key players, including star forwards Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle, the Hawthorn Hawks are seizing the moment with two unsigned hopefuls, Flynn Perez and Jack Riding, getting a chance to shine.
The unofficial match simulation on Monday at the Kennedy Community Centre will be the first of many club-versus-club hit-outs before the real season begins. It's a crucial opportunity for these players to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot on the Hawks' list before the March 2 signing deadline.
But here's where it gets controversial... With the Cats missing almost half of their Grand Final side, including veterans like Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs, will they be able to put up a strong fight? And this is the part most people miss: the Hawks also have some notable absentees, such as Jack Ginnivan, who is out with a minor finger injury. So, will the Hawks' unsigned hopefuls be enough to fill the gaps and give them an edge?
Let's dive into the squads and analyze the potential impact of these missing players and new recruits.
Hawthorn Hawks Squad:
- Flynn Perez (former North Melbourne player)
- Jack Riding (VFL star)
- Finn Maginness (returning from a kidney injury)
- Connor Macdonald and Josh Weddle (expected to see more midfield time)
Notable Absentees:
- Jack Ginnivan (minor injury)
- Tom Barrass, Jack Gunston, Josh Battle, and Blake Hardwick (played in AAMI AFL Origin)
- Will Day (sidelined)
Geelong Cats Squad:
- James Worpel (new recruit)
- Tanner Bruhn (returning after criminal charges were dropped)
- Will Edwards and Sam De Koning (expected to carry the ruck load)
Notable Absentees:
- Rhys Stanley, Mark Blicavs, Jack Martin (managed or injured)
- Shaun Mannagh (managed)
- Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle (doubtful for the start of the season)
- Patrick Dangerfield, Bailey Smith, Max Holmes, Tom Stewart, and Lawson Humphries (played in AAMI AFL Origin)
As you can see, both teams have their fair share of missing players. But will these absences create opportunities for others to step up and make a name for themselves? And what impact will the new recruits have on the overall performance of their teams?
Join us on Monday as we provide live coverage of this highly anticipated match simulation. Will the Hawks soar with their unsigned hopefuls, or will the Cats roar back with their remaining squad? Don't miss this exciting preview of the 2026 AFL season!
And remember, in the world of AFL, nothing is set in stone. So, feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. Do you think the Hawks will surprise us with their new talent? Or will the Cats' depth and experience prevail? Let's discuss and debate!
