It was a vastly different looking Geelong forward line on Wednesday night to the one that finished 2025, as the Cats search for a winning formula entering an exciting new campaign. 

In the absence of players like Jeremy Cameron, Tyson Stengle and Gryan Miers, the rotation inside 50 included the likes of Jay Polkinghorne and Ollie Henry, while Mark Blicavs also spent a substantial amount of time in Geelong's forward half. 

One Cat in particular who impressed at IKON Park was Jack Martin, entering the game after quarter-time and finishing with a game-high three goals from his 12 disposals, achieving it all in just 63% of game time.  

With a strong Gold Coast defence looming large next Friday in an Opening Round blockbuster, Cats assistant coach James Kelly confirmed that there are numerous options available for Geelong heading into the start of their season. 

"I thought Jack [Martin] was really good when he came on, he is one of those guys I was talking about with the game time and prioritising what is best for him," Kelly said. 

"Ollie Henry had a fair few looks, obviously next week we will have Jeremy [Cameron] come back, Pat [Dangerfield] will be in there, Shannon [Neale] will be in there.

"It is a bit of a different look for us but I think as always, we like to think we will play the best mix for the team that we are playing. We have got some guys that are really good stoppage players down there, really dangerous guys so I think all of those guys will probably get a bit of a look at some stage.

"We are probably not settled on where that is next week just yet, but certainly there will be some good discussions throughout the week."

Down the other end of the ground, Geelong looked reasonably sound as they got valuable playing time into their defensive unit. 

Jack Henry led the way with five intercept marks, Tom Stewart followed close behind with four intercept marks and seven rebounds 50s, while Connor O'Sullivan looked strong with three intercept marks and 10 spoils. 

Off the half back flank, both Tanner Bruhn and Lawson Humphries impressed with their ball use and composure, Kelly sharing his thoughts on the defensive unit in his post-game press conference. 

"Lawson [Humphries] got a bit of the ball, I thought Tom Stewart got up in the game really well," Kelly said. 

"As the game wore on, Zach Guthrie looked a bit better. But I think all in all, our defenders are pretty solid.

"Early on when we weren't going that well around the ball and we weren't moving the ball through the midfield very well, it was coming back out of the forward line a bit too quick but I think the defenders were really solid.

"They have always been a really good, connected unit and they mark the ball really well. They are great in the contest and I think that was really obvious tonight.

"Lawson looks really fit and getting up in the game and getting the ball, he is a beautiful kick of the footy so the more that happens for us, the better."