Geelong are set for their first hit-out of 2025 next Monday, when they take on Hawthorn in a match simulation at GMHBA Stadium.   

It was announced yesterday that the practice match will be open to the public, giving Cats fans the chance to see their team in action for the first time this year. 

The match is FREE entry for all fans with Gate 13 opening at 1.30pm, prior to the opening bounce at 2.00pm. All patrons will be seated in the Brownlow Stand, with select food and coffee outlets open for the duration of the match.

Watching from home? The match will be broadcast live on Kayo. Cats fans can sign up to a Digital Plus Membership to watch the match simulation, along with every game of every round of the AFL season live and ad-break free.

With a host of new recruits, talented draftees and the return of some injured players, there will be plenty to keep an eye on against the Hawks. 

These are the top five things to watch next Monday as the Cats kick off their 2025 campaign. 

1. The Defensive Set-Up

Geelong have plenty of options in their defensive unit, which will create intrigue around who will feature in the starting line-up this year. 

Expect stalwarts like Jake Kolodjashnij, Jack Henry and Zach Guthrie to feature once again, but who can we expect to see alongside them?

Tom Stewart and Sam De Koning made a name for themselves down back, but both players spent time in different positions further up the ground last year. 

Jed Bews earned his position back late in the year, as did Oisin Mullin who has been tipped as a big improver this pre-season. 

Will the Cats look for speed off half back through Max Holmes, or will they prioritise the slick skills of players like Mitch Duncan. 

Throw into the mix emerging talents like Connor O'Sullivan, the Cats have a plethora options they can trial next Monday as they look to find the right structure. 

2. Emerging Stars Taking the Next Step

One thing the Cats are blessed with is depth on their list, with a number of young players knocking on the door this pre-season looking to earn their spot at the top level. 

A name frequently mentioned by teammates is Mitch Knevitt, who will be looking to build on his 14 AFL appearances to this point of his career. 

Jhye Clark, Ted Clohesy and Connor O'Sullivan have all had a taste of AFL footy, while players like Mitch Edwards and George Stevens have had solid pre-seasons. 

Keep an eye on these players Monday, as they look to put themselves on the radar for a starting spot in 2025. 

3. The Forward Structure

We saw it in the back half of the 2024 season, but this year will be the first time a Cats forward line has not featured Tom Hawkins, opening the door for new players to stamp their authority. 

The unit will be led again by Jeremy Cameron, who was in stellar form last season booting 64 goals and producing plenty of magic moments. 

Shannon Neale took his opportunity last year kicking 23 goals from 15 games, the big forward will be looking to solidify his position in the starting 22 with an exciting year ahead. 

Tyson Stengle (46 goals) and Ollie Henry (37 goals) will continue to develop, while small forwards Shaun Mannagh, Gryan Miers and Brad Close will continue to create chaos at ground level. 

Watch this space on Monday to see how this unit has continued to grow over the off-season. 

4. Draftees Begin Their Journey

Geelong selected seven exciting draftees during the off-season, all will be looking to impress when they get game time over the practice matches. 

Jay Polkinghorne (pick 44) was the Cats first pick in the 2024 draft, followed by Jacob Molier (pick 52), Lenny Hofmann (pick 66) and Keighton Matofai-Forbes (pick 69). 

The club then added three players in the rookie draft including Xavier Ivisic, Patrick Retschko and Joe Pike. 

Expect to see a mix of these players hit the field on Monday, pulling on the Hoops for the very first time. 

5. Bailey Smith Pulls on the Hoops

The Cats high profile off-season recruit, Bailey Smith will pull on the Hoops for the first time on Monday afternoon. 

Smith is fully fit and raring to go in 2025, after unfortunately missing last year through a knee injury. 

Looking to make an impact in Geelong's midfield, keep an eye out for Smith's explosive pace as he bursts out of contests and sets up attacking forays.