While there was a distinct absence of experience in Geelong's line-up on Monday afternoon, the next generation showed that there is plenty to be excited about with a plethora of young stars seizing their opportunity. 

In a team that only featured eight players with over 100 games of AFL experience, it was the likes of Lenny Hofmann, Jay Polkinghorne and George Stevens who shone on a hot day in Melbourne. 

Another who displayed plenty of positive signs was emerging ruckman, Mitch Edwards who went toe-to-toe with experienced big man, Lloyd Meek for a large portion of the afternoon. 

Despite some early nerves about the task awaiting him, Edwards said he was able to play to his strengths and find his feet as the game wore on.  

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Mitch Edwards Interview | Practice Match vs Hawthorn

Mitch Edwards spoke to Cats Media after Geelong's practice match against Hawthorn on Monday. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

"Obviously I know my strengths, which is my athleticism," Edwards told Cats Media. 

"Meek is a very strong, experienced footballer so I was a bit nervous coming into the match, seeing how good a ruckman he is.

"I thought it was really good, a great experience to go against a seasoned AFL ruckman. 

"Obviously it is a great time of year, when the pre-season is wrapping up. It is good to get through that and now that the games are here, it is really exciting and I am looking forward to it."

Leading the Cats for hit-outs and finding some footy for himself, Edwards was one of a number of Geelong players to perform strongly in the club's first hit-out for the season. 

Polkinghorne kicked three goals and looked lively up forward, while Hofmann found the footy with ease and impressed with his skill by foot. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: Mitchell Edwards of the Cats in action during the 2026 AFL match simulation between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats at the Kennedy Community Centre on February 16, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Edwards noted the performances by both emerging talents, while also providing insight into the midfield unit and the hard work they have done over the pre-season to prepare for 2026. 

"It was really good, obviously it was a hot day and a good contest," Edwards said. 

"We had a really young team out there with a few stars out, but I thought the young boys like Jay Polkinghorne and Lenny Hofmann were really good.

"The mids, I have done a fair bit of work with them this pre-season.

"James Worpel, obviously he has just come over, but he has connected with the group so well. Even the first year boys have gelled in nicely, then Tom Atkins is so easy to work with and so is George Stevens."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: Mitchell Edwards of the Cats and Lloyd Meek of the Hawks compete in a ruck contest during the 2026 AFL match simulation between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats at the Kennedy Community Centre on February 16, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

The Cats will have one more pre-season hit-out as they continue to prepare for the Opening Round, heading to Ikon Park next Wednesday to take on Carlton. 

With another opportunity ahead to continue his development into the new campaign, Edwards said it will be an experience he will relish as he looks to build on what he has been working on over the pre-season. 

"It should be really fun," Edwards said. 

"It will be another good hit-out against a good side, with some good players and we will get some of ours back from Origin.

"It should be exciting, I am looking forward to it and can't wait."