In a thrilling display of young talent, the Geelong Cats' forward line is set to be a force to reckon with, as 19-year-old Jay Polkinghorne shines in a pre-season practice match. But here's where it gets interesting: with key players out, who will step up for the Cats?
Polkinghorne, a rising star, showcased his potential by kicking three goals and taking several contested grabs. This performance couldn't have come at a better time, as the Cats' forward line faces uncertainty. Jeremy Cameron, the Coleman medallist, is racing to recover from a quad strain, and small forward Tyson Stengle is out for the game against Gold Coast Suns. Will Polkinghorne seize the opportunity to cement his spot?
Meanwhile, the Hawthorn Hawks are adjusting to life without Will Day, and the pre-season match offered a glimpse into their new-look midfield. Sam Mitchell's strategy to expose Connor Macdonald to center bounce attendances paid off, but it was Josh Ward who stole the show, leading the Hawks to a 17-point victory over the Cats.
The game also featured a mix of experienced players and rising talents. Dylan Moore, wearing the No.8 guernsey for the first time, kicked two goals and impressed around the ball. Former North Melbourne defender Flynn Perez, training with the Hawks since December, put on a captivating performance, including a running goal from outside 50. And let's not forget the young guns: Jhye Clark, Lenny Hofmann, and Mitch Edwards showed promise for the Cats, while Aidan Schubert and Ollie Greeves made their presence known for the Hawks.
As the pre-season continues, both teams are dealing with injuries and absences. Calsher Dear, Tanner Bruhn, and Zach Guthrie were among those missing for Geelong, while Hawthorn had several players out, including Tom Barrass and Jack Gunston. And this is the part most people miss: the strategic decisions around player positions. Connor Macdonald, a full-time midfielder in training, played inside, while Ollie Dempsey's midfield minutes in Dingley hinted at a potential new role.
In the world of fantasy, Connor Macdonald's midfield time and strong performance make him an enticing pick, alongside the prolific Josh Ward and the versatile Dylan Moore. For Geelong, Ollie Dempsey's new midfield role and Sam De Koning's solid game starting in the ruck offer fantasy managers food for thought. And with the AAMI AFL Origin duties keeping some key players busy, the pre-season is a perfect time for young talents to stake their claim.
So, as the season approaches, keep an eye on these rising stars and the strategic decisions that could shape their teams' fortunes. Will Polkinghorne become a household name? Can the Hawks' midfield thrive without Will Day? What are your predictions for these young talents and their impact on the upcoming season?
