Lawson Humphries is a young Cat with impeccably high standards. 

Where most onlookers saw his second season at Geelong as a continuation of his rapid rise within the competition, Humphries provided a brutally honest reflection and explained that he was less than impressed with his own production. 

But what it has provided the dashing defender with is a deeper understanding of AFL football at the elite level, and a new level of motivation to raise his game to even greater heights in 2026. 

The evidence is already clear to see. Humphries finished with 23 disposals and five intercept possessions in AFL Origin, followed by 24 disposals and six intercept possessions in Wednesday's practice match against Carlton. 

Describing the difference between seasons two and three with Geelong, Humphries noted that a real focus and drive throughout the pre-season has unlocked his potential heading into an exciting new campaign. 

"I was probably a bit disappointed at times last year with how my season went," Humphries admitted. 

"I felt like I lacked a bit of consistency that I had in my first year, but I only played half the games in my first year too. I felt like this year I wanted to have a really solid pre-season, so that I could do it for 25 or 26 games if that is what it takes.

"I want to be a really strong contributor to the group, we have got such a strong backline and I kind of want to be the leader of that.

"We have got so many strong guys back there so for me to do that, I am going to have to really up my game and be a really good team player. I am just looking forward to that challenge and hopefully, becoming more of a leader within the group."

2025 was by no means a poor year statistically for Humphries, averaging a reliable 16.2 disposals per game and leading Geelong for rebound 50s, while also averaging four intercept possessions per game. 

The 22-year-old was among Geelong's best in the Grand Final, collecting 23 disposals, five score involvements and five intercept possessions to show that he can certainly handle the pressure on the biggest stage. 

But Humphries' personal commitment to evolving his own game extends far beyond what he has produced in his first two years at Geelong, identifying the areas that he wanted to improve on throughout the pre-season. 

"I reckon I probably just didn't work hard enough in the last pre-season," Humphries said. 

"I probably came off that first year and maybe got a little bit ahead of myself, learning a lot pretty quickly.

"The second half of last year I was fatiguing, probably not as fit as what I would have liked to have been. I think I learned a lot just from that experience, from that year and now I feel like I have had a really good pre-season.

"I am taking it a lot more seriously with my discipline off the field, which is arguably just as important as the on-field stuff. I feel like I am in a way better place now, mentally and physically to be consistent all year."

Humphries and the Cats will look to get their season off to a positive start next week, when they take on the Gold Coast Suns in a colossal Opening Round clash on Friday night. 

After a lengthy pre-season and two practice matches, Humphries noted who he is keen to see in action this year and which players he thinks are ready to take the next step.

"There are a few, I am excited," Humphries said. 

"I feel like Jhye Clark can take his game to another level, same with Connor O'Sullivan.

"Outside of that, I am really looking forward to seeing how Jay Polkinghorne goes. His first couple of practice games, he works really hard and I am excited to see how he goes.

"Lenny Hofmann as well in the back line, we have a really strong back line but I think if we have any injuries then he will be ready to go, which is really exciting."