Following their successful first hit-out of 2025, Geelong will now turn their attention to next week's AAMI Community Series. 

The Cats will kickoff the action with a Tuesday night clash, taking on Essendon at GMHBA Stadium from 7.10pm (AEDT). 

This will be the final hit-out for Geelong before the start of the AFL season, set to head to the Gabba on March 6th for an Opening Round clash with Brisbane. 

See a full rundown of all the key details for next Tuesday's practice match below. 

KEY DETAILS 

AAMI Community Series Match

Geelong Cats vs Essendon 

GMHBA Stadium

Tuesday 25 February, 7.10pm

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Cats members and kids under 14 will have FREE general admission access to the 2025 AAMI Community Series. AFL, Cats and Bombers members can scan their membership on match day at GMHBA Stadium for free general admission access, subject to capacity.

General admission tickets for adults will be $20, while juniors aged 14 years and under will be free.

Follow the link here to secure your ticket. 

2025 AAMI Community Series Ticketing Information

WHERE TO WATCH 

All AAMI Community Series matches will be broadcast live on Foxtel and streamed via 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.

05:39

Match Sim Highlights | Geelong v Hawthorn

The Cats and Hawks clash in match simulation

MATCH SIMULATION STATS

A number of players stood out during Monday's match simulation against the Hawks, led by Max Holmes (24 disposals, eight marks, six intercepts) and Gryan Miers (24 disposals, 10 marks).

Connor O'Sullivan (17 disposals, 10 marks) and Mitch Knevitt (21 disposals, four clearances) both did their Opening Round chances no harm, while Jhye Clark also impressed (16 disposals, nine marks, six tackles). 

Forward of the ball, Ollie Henry dominated booting a game high four goals while Brad Close (three goals), Shannon Neale and Jeremy Cameron (two goals) all had an impact. 

See a more comprehensive breakdown of the stats below.

Match Simulation Stats Wrap

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sam De Koning

There has been plenty of intrigue around where Sam De Koning will line up this year, after the young talent showed promise both down back and in the ruck throughout 2024. 

If the match simulation is anything to go by, expect to see a bit of the big Cat in the middle this year. 

De Koning attended a game high 25 ruck contests against Hawthorn, keep an eye on him against Essendon to see where he is deployed. 

Ted Clohesy

One player that has flown under the radar this pre-season is Ted Clohesy, following a strong 2024 VFL campaign where he averaged 22 disposals and a goal per game. 

The tough utility can play both down forward and through the midfield, both were evident during Monday's match simulation against the Hawks. 

Clohesy collected 15 disposals, six marks and laid four tackles in a solid first hit-out for 2025, watch for him to have an impact on Tuesday against the Bombers. 

Patrick Dangerfield

Similar to De Koning, there is plenty of talk around where the Geelong captain will play the majority of his footy this season. 

Early indications are that there might be a slight tweak, with Dangerfield spending most of the match simulation parked inside forward 50. 

Whether it was load management or a new role, keep track of where Dangerfield plies his trade next Tuesday night.