In a stunning display of youthful talent, Geelong's Jay Polkinghorne has thrown his hat into the ring for a starting position in the upcoming season opener, leaving the coaching staff with a tantalizing decision to make. But here's where it gets controversial—the Cats' forward line is already stacked, and with Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle out, the competition for spots is fierce. Will Polkinghorne's impressive performance be enough to secure his place? Only time will tell.
The 19-year-old Polkinghorne, a rising star in the VFL, made a compelling case for his inclusion by scoring three goals from seven attempts and showcasing his ability to win contested grabs in the first pre-season match of 2026. This performance comes on the heels of a remarkable debut season, where he netted 31 goals. And this is the part most people miss—with the absence of key players, the door is wide open for young talent to make their mark.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn is gearing up for a new era without Will Day, and the team's performance in the pre-season match offered a glimpse into their strategy. Sam Mitchell's decision to deploy Connor Macdonald in the midfield more frequently paid off, but it was Josh Ward who stole the show with a dominant display, leading the Hawks to a 17-point victory over Geelong.
The game also featured a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, with several standout performances. Shannon Neale shone in the hot conditions, scoring four goals, while Ollie Henry, seeking a return to Geelong's top 23, added three majors. Former North Melbourne defender Flynn Perez, training with the Hawks since December, seized his opportunity with an impressive display, including a goal from outside 50 and precise ball handling.
As the pre-season progresses, the competition for spots intensifies. With the AFL Origin selections impacting team compositions, the young guns are stepping up. Jhye Clark, after a strong showing in last year's finals series, is poised for a more prominent role in the midfield. Lenny Hofmann and Mitch Edwards also made their presence felt, while Aidan Schubert impressed in his debut for the Hawks.
The pre-season is a time for experimentation, and position changes were on display. Connor Macdonald, a full-time midfielder in the summer, spent most of the game in the midfield, while Ollie Dempsey's midfield minutes in Dingley hinted at a potential new role.
Injuries and absences also played a part, with Calsher Dear, Tanner Bruhn, and Zach Guthrie missing out due to various reasons. And in the world of fantasy, Connor Macdonald, Josh Ward, and Dylan Moore all had strong performances, tempting fantasy managers to consider their inclusion.
As the season approaches, the battle for positions heats up. Will Polkinghorne's performance be enough to secure his spot? Will Flynn Perez earn a contract with the Hawks? These questions and more will be answered as the AFL season unfolds. What do you think? Is there a young player you're particularly excited about? Or do you think the veterans will hold their ground? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
