Get ready for an exciting preview of the upcoming 2026 AFL season! Today marks the beginning of an intense battle between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats in their first club-vs-club hitout. This unofficial match, taking place at the Hawks' training facility in Dingley, is a highly anticipated event for AFL fans and enthusiasts.
The Battle for Supremacy: Hawks vs. Cats
Follow our live coverage as we bring you every thrilling moment of this match simulation. You can catch the action live on Foxtel and Kayo, and our live blog below will keep you updated throughout. Additionally, AFL.com.au and the AFL Live app will provide full match highlights and an in-depth report by Josh Gabelich post-match.
But here's where it gets controversial... there will be no official stats page for this week's match simulations. So, how will we measure the performance and impact of these teams?
Both sides have named their extended squads, with Geelong missing almost half of their Grand Final lineup from last September. Meanwhile, Hawthorn has introduced Flynn Perez and Jack Riding, who are fighting for a spot on the Hawks' roster.
For the Cats, newly recruited James Worpel will make his first proper appearance in the hoops. And for the Hawks, all eyes will be on Connor Macdonald and Josh Weddle, who are expected to see more midfield action in 2026.
Monday, February 16, promises to be an action-packed day at the Kennedy Community Centre, with the match starting at 1.45 pm AEDT. The game will consist of four 30-minute quarters, and you won't want to miss a second of it!
Live Blog:
So, who do you think will emerge victorious in this battle of the clubs? Will the Hawks soar to success, or will the Cats claw their way to victory? Let us know your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
Remember, this is just a preview, and the real season is yet to begin. Stay tuned for more AFL action and analysis as we count down to the official start of the 2026 season!
