Uncapped ruck trio Mitch Edwards, Jacob Molier and Joe Pike will get a chance to press their claims for an AFL debut after being named in the Geelong squad for tomorrow’s (Monday) match simulation against Hawthorn.
The Cats have named 27 players for the matchup at the Hawks’ new Dingley base.
However, with Mark Blicavs sidelined with an ankle injury suffered at training on Friday, Rhys Stanley on a managed workload, and Toby Conway sidelined, the young bigs will have the opportunity to show their wares.
Joining Edwards, Molier and Pike as players in the squad yet to play an AFL match are 2025 draftees Hunter Holmes and Nick Driscoll, 2024 additions Lenny Hofmann and Jay Polkinghorne, and Irish rookie Cillian Burke.
Former Hawthorn best-and-fairest James Worpel will pull on the Geelong clash jumper, with Tanner Bruhn making his first appearance after missing the entire 2025 season.
Geelong’s AFL Origin representatives Patrick Dangerfield, Bailey Smith, Tom Stewart, Max Holmes and Lawson Humphries won’t play.
Like Stanley, Shaun Mannagh is having his workload managed, and Tyson Stengle remains on an individualised program.
A quad issue suffered by Jeremy Cameron at training last week is likely to sideline him until the Opening Round meeting with Gold Coast on March 6.
X: @krockfootball
GEELONG INJURY LIST
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.
