The Cats will have their first hitout for 2026, tomorrow, Monday 16 February, when they head to Dingley to play against the Hawks.  

The match simulation starts at 1.45pm and will consist of four, 30 minute quarters.

The Cats will wear their 2026 Clash guernsey, which is available now at The Cats shop.

Fans can tune in to watch the game via Kayo and Fox Sports. Cats fans can sign up to a Digital Plus Membership to watch the match simulation, along with every game of every round of the AFL season live and ad-break free. 

The Cats squad due to play Hawthorn  

Tom Atkins, Jed Bews, Jack Bowes, Tanner Bruhn, Cillian Burke, Jhye Clark, Brad Close, Sam De Koning, Ollie Dempsey, Nicholas Driscoll, Mitchell Edwards, Jack Henry, Ollie.Henry, Lennox Hofmann, Hunter Holmes, Mitchell Knevitt, Jacob Molier, Gryan Miers, Oisin Mullin, Shannon Neale, Mark O'Connor, Connor O'Sullivan, Joe Pike, Jay Polkinghorne, George Stevens, Oliver Wiltshire, James Worpel 

Patrick Dangerfield, Bailey Smith, Tom Stewart, Max Holmes and Lawson Humphries won’t take part after playing in the AFL Origin game on Saturday.  

 Shaun Mannagh and Rhys Stanley won't feature Monday as they manage their pre-season loads, while Tyson Stengle continues an individualised program.  
  

The following players are on the Club’s Health Update list and will miss Monday's match.    
  
Jeremy Cameron (quad)  

Jeremy has a low-grade quad strain he sustained last Monday. He remains on track to play against Gold Coast in Opening Round and was not scheduled to play in the match simulation against Hawthorn.    

Mark Blicavs (ankle) 

Mark has a low-grade ankle sprain he sustained on Friday that is being monitored. He remains set to play against Carlton in the AAMI Community Series. 

Jack Martin (ankle)  

Jack is recovering from a rolled ankle. He will train with the VFL team on Monday and progress to full training with the main squad throughout next week.   

Keighton Matofai-Forbes (foot)  
Keighton is progressing well post foot surgery and is continuing a modified program across pre-season.  

Toby Conway (foot and knee)  

Toby is progressing well with his strength and has been on a modified program during pre-season.   

Harley Barker (knee)  

Harley is currently building his strength capacity as he progresses back towards running.