A number of key Cats impressed during Tuesday night's practice match, their final audition ahead of the 2025 AFL season.
Jack Bowes and Gryan Miers led the way with both players eclipsing 30 disposals, while Jeremy Cameron roamed around the ground and did as he pleased for much of the night.
With plenty of positives to take from the game, take a look at the four key takeaways from the AAMI Community Series match against Essendon.
1. Jack Bowes can unlock the midfield puzzle
Bowes was everywhere on Tuesday night and did a little bit of everything.
Playing predominantly as an inside midfielder, the 27 year old finished the night with 31 disposals, five clearances, six inside 50's and even booted a long range goal late in the second quarter.
Many have guessed what the Cats starting midfield might look like in 2025, with numerous options able to roll through the engine room and that was evident with the combinations presented on Tuesday night.
Bowes seems to be one that has flown under the radar throughout the pre-season, but his performance against the Bombers indicates that he is ready to cement his spot in the Cats midfield.
2. Mitch Knevitt is ready to reach new heights
His teammates tipped him as a breakout candidate during the pre-season, and Mitch Knevitt backed up a solid first hit-out with another strong performance against Essendon on Tuesday.
Against the Hawks in last week's match simulation, the young on-baller finished with 21 disposals and four clearances, following that up with 22 possessions and another four clearances against the Bombers.
Time will tell whether Knevitt has done enough for a spot in Geelong's Opening Round team, but he certainly could not have done much more in his pre-season auditions.
Either way, the 22 year old will be one to watch in 2025 as he takes his game to new levels.
3. Jack Henry can join the top echelon of defenders
Another established star that has flown under the radar this pre-season, Jack Henry was in fine form against the Bombers as he anchored the Cats on the last line of defence.
Henry finished the night with 18 disposals, six marks and a whopping 13 intercept possessions, five more than the next best player on the ground.
2024 was a big success for the key defender, playing all 25 games for the Cats after only managing 11 games the season prior, due to a foot injury.
If his performance last night is anything to go by, expect a big year from Jack Henry.
4. Cameron and Neale...... the perfect duo?
Shannon Neale enjoyed a successful 2024 season and got a consistent crack at the top level, but his partnership with Jeremy Cameron could go to greater heights in 2025.
Last night was evidence of the duo's capabilities, not necessarily because of their impact on the game, but the role's that they were able to play right across the ground.
Neale looked threatening inside 50, taking some nice marks and finishing with two goals, but his presence forward of the play meant Cameron could roam up the ground and become a damaging asset in Geelong's ball movement.
As a result Jezza finished with 23 dispsoals, 11 marks and still managed two goals, proving that these two spearheads can unlock a greater potential in 2025 when they play to their strengths.
