Hawthorn Secures Unofficial Pre-Season Victory Over Geelong in Dingley Clash
In an early pre-season showdown, Hawthorn has claimed bragging rights over bitter rival Geelong with a hard-fought win in an unofficial practice game held on Monday at the Hawks' new base in Dingley. The match saw Hawthorn come from behind to secure a final score of 16.15 (111) to 14.10 (94), setting a positive tone for their upcoming campaign.
Injury Scare and Comeback for Key Forward
The game began with concerns for Hawthorn when rising forward Calsher Dear went down with an injury during the first term. Dear was in visible pain after copping a nasty blow to the chest, forcing him to leave the field temporarily. Fortunately, he made a resilient return and was able to hit the scoreboard, contributing two goals as his team gained momentum.
Hawthorn's Dominant Second and Third Quarters
After a goalless first term, Hawthorn put their foot down in the second and third stanzas, kicking eight consecutive goals to rip the game apart. This surge highlighted their offensive prowess and ability to capitalize on opportunities. Alongside Dear, fellow key forward Mitch Lewis and gun small forward Dylan Moore each added two goals to the tally. Additionally, key forward Mabior Chol contributed to the highlights reel with a spectacular mark, showcasing the team's depth and skill.
Geelong's Depleted Lineup and Standout Performers
Despite the loss, it is important to note that Hawthorn faced a seriously depleted Geelong outfit, with approximately half of their grand final team absent. Notable missing players included veteran champion Patrick Dangerfield, Bailey Smith, Max Holmes, Tom Stewart, Jeremy Cameron, Mark Blicavs, Lawson Humphries, Zach Guthrie, Rhys Stanley, Shaun Mannagh, Tyson Stengle, and Jack Martin. In their absence, uncapped Jay Polkinghorne booted three goals for the Cats in a bid to earn an early AFL debut in 2026, while big forward Shannon Neale impressed with four goals, demonstrating Geelong's emerging talent.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
This unofficial practice match provides valuable insights for both teams as they prepare for the 2026 AFL season. Hawthorn's ability to overcome an early deficit and showcase strong teamwork bodes well for their prospects, while Geelong's performance, despite key absences, highlights the potential of their younger players. As pre-season continues, fans will be watching closely to see how these developments translate into official matches.
