Geelong made a strong start to their 2025 campaign on Monday, taking down Hawthorn in a match simulation at GMHBA Stadium. 

Piling on 15 goals from 31 scoring shots, the Cats showed plenty of positive signs as they continue to build towards their Opening Round clash. 

A number of new recruits and emerging players impressed during the match simulation, see the top four takeaways below. 

1. Ollie Henry picked up where he left off

Henry finished 2024 on a high, recognised as one of the best players on the ground in the Preliminary Final after a stunning four goal performance. 

It took no time for him to recapture that form, booting another four majors on Monday to lead the Cats. 

Within those four goals was a sensational snap from the boundary and two majors late in the contest, which ultimately sealed the result for Geelong. 

Looking dangerous both aerially and at ground level, Henry will form a strong trio alongside Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale. 

2. Connor O'Sullivan is making great progress

He was widely recognised by his teammates as one of the standout performers during the pre-season, and Connor O'Sullivan certainly did not disappoint in the first hit-out of 2025. 

The young gun was sensational down back against the Hawks, taking a number of intercept marks and looking strong in one on one contests. 

2024 was a terrific development year for O'Sullivan, making his AFL debut early in the season and impressing with the VFL Cats, but he will be looking to lock down a spot at the top level in 2025. 

3. Gryan Miers continues to get better

He broke the goal-assist record in 2023, put himself in the All Australian conversation in 2024, but Gryan Miers looked even stronger in his first hit-out of 2025. 

Pushing up the ground and finding plenty of the footy, Miers was able to split the Hawks open with his elite foot skills and had a big impact entering the forward 50 arc. 

Dishing off numerous assists throughout the afternoon, the crafty forward looks to have taken his game to new heights heading into 2025. 

4. Bailey Smith is ready to make an immediate impact

Cats fans could not wait to see their new recruit in action and Bailey Smith immediately asserted his dominance in Monday's match simulation.

Spending time both inside and outside the contest, Smith found an abundance of the footy in the opening period and helped Geelong to make a quick start.

Any concerns that he might be a little rusty were quickly put to bed, the star midfielder looking primed and ready for his first campaign in the Hoops.