GEELONG teenager Jay Polkinghorne has put his hand up for an Opening Round debut against Gold Coast after producing an eye-catching display at the Kennedy Community Centre on Monday.
Polkinghorne slotted 31 goals in the VFL in his debut season last year, but will give the Cats' coaching staff something to ponder on the drive back to Geelong after kicking three majors from seven shots on goal and taking a handful of contested grabs in the first pre-season practice match of 2026.
With reigning Coleman medallist Jeremy Cameron racing the clock to be fit after straining his quad at training last week – and All-Australian small forward Tyson Stengle ruled out of the game against the Suns – there is at least one spot up for grabs in Geelong's forward line.
Shannon Neale starred in hot conditions that hovered in the low 30s at Hawthorn's new training base in Dingley, booting four goals in a commanding performance, while Ollie Henry finished with three majors as he hunts a spot back in Geelong's best 23 after watching on from afar last September.
Young guns
Jhye Clark has taken time to get a regular game at the Cats, but after being recalled for last year's qualifying final and playing in all three finals, including the Grand Final, the former first-round pick looks ready for more regular games as a midfielder in 2026. Lenny Hofmann showed glimpses in Dingley bursting through the middle, while Mitch Edwards also had some moments.
Switching positions
Ollie Dempsey played more midfield minutes in Dingley and was damaging around stoppage in a sign of what could come this year.
Injury watch
Tanner Bruhn and Zach Guthrie missed due to illness. Shaun Mannagh will play in the VFL instead this week to manage his minutes.
HAWTHORN 0.5 6.7 12.10 16.15 (111)
GEELONG 3.6 5.8 8.9 14.10 (94)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Moore 2, Dear 2, Butler 2, Lewis 2, Watson 2, Perez, Nash, Macdonald, Impey, Schubert, Ramsden
Geelong: Neale 4, O.Henry 3, Polkinghorne 3, Wiltshire, Stevens, Atkins, J.Henry
