Bold opening: The pre-season is revealing how all 18 AFL clubs are really shaping up for 2026, and the lessons are already coming fast. But here’s where it gets controversial: the small details in these match sims could redefine which teams surprise and which slip—before the season even starts.
Fans are getting their first genuine glimpse of each club’s depth and style as unofficial match simulations unfold in a variety of formats from Monday, February 16 to Saturday, February 21. These practice runs are being streamed as the 2026 AFL pre-season match sims and AAMI Community Series LIVE, without ad breaks during play, on FOX FOOTY and via Kayo Sports. If you’re new to Kayo, you can sign up and get the first month for just $1. Link: https://kayosports.com.au/?pg=default&extcamp=fsaeditoriallinkafl-edt-fsp-lnk-awr-grc-afl-kyo&channel=fsa&campaign=fsacontra&voucher=
Opening Round
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Foxfooty.com.au breaks down what we learned about all 18 teams during this one-week window.
HAWKS-CATS RECAP: A blunt response to a missed trade, with Hawthorn emerging as a potential club-house leader for rookie opportunities: 3-2-1. (Link to detailed live scores, stats, and analysis: https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/hawthorn-hawks/live-afl-preseason-2026-hawthorn-hawks-v-geelong-cats-match-simulations-live-scores-updates-stats-video-stream-result-news-blog-full-guide-and-how-to-watch/news-story/3bc8e94dbfa940891516de3b51cb6f86)
HAWTHORN
Result: Hawthorn 111, Geelong 94 (Hawks win by 17)
Match report: Hawthorn vs. Geelong match simulation (same link as above)
What we learned: Josh Ward, a former top-10 pick, looks like he could push for more inside-mid minutes given Will Day’s injury and James Worpel’s departure. Hawthorn appears set to use a midfield rotation rather than pin all hopes on a single recruit. Ward, Cam Mackenzie, and Connor Macdonald shared responsibilities in the engine room, with the Hawks’ initial midfield mix featuring Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, Ward, and Macdonald. Also rotating through were Mackenzie, Conor Nash, Dylan Moore, Nick Watson, and Josh Weddle, with Henry Hustwaite and Ollie Greeves joining late. Ward stood out for his clean ball use and damaging transition. Assistant coach David Hale, subbing in as acting senior coach, explained after the game that the club planned to expose players in various roles to assess how the midfield could blend, saying: “Players’ exposure in certain roles — Connor Macdonald and Josh Weddle testing the ball, exploring that midfield mix with Ward and Mackenzie and others who’ll spend time there.” Macdonald, 23, impressed by finding space and driving the ball through the corridor to create attacking chances, signaling a broader skill set beyond a pure half-forward role. Commentator Sam Hargreaves added that Hawthorn could deploy five or six players in different midfield variations rather than relying on one marquee arrival, underscoring a committee approach.
The club’s SSP ( Supplementary Supplemental Priority) battle for two vacant list spots drew attention. For now, Hawthorn may carry one spot early in the year, with Flynn Perez (ex-Roos-listed backman) making a strong push. Perez showed his effective ball use and even delivered a standout third-quarter kick from half-back into the middle that helped set up a goal. Hale praised Perez’s adaptability, noting his kicking has been consistently impressive. Fellow SSP hopeful Jack Riding also showed moments in defense, but Perez remains the leading candidate for a starting role at this stage.
GEELONG
Result: Geelong 94, Hawthorn 111 (Geelong loses by 17)
Match report: Hawthorn vs. Geelong match simulation (link above)
What we learned: Ollie Dempsey flashed as a potential breakout, showing elite pace and physicality as an inside midfielder. Previously used as a winger or forward, Dempsey’s second-half instinct and burst could push him into the engine room this season. A second-quarter sequence demonstrated his ceiling: starting at a centre-ball-up, he moved forward, taking a marking chance inside 50. Although Bailey Smith, Max Holmes, and Tanner Bruhn were absent, Dempsey’s display suggested he could be central to Geelong’s midfield and forward plans. Veteran-revealing moments from George Stevens, who began in the guts and finished with a goal after shrugging off a defender, hinted at potential but he may not feature in a heavy on-ball rotation unless injury concerns arise. Young Jay Polkinghorne, 19 and 191 centimeters tall, emerged as a big talking point. The second-year forward demonstrated leadership in space and strong marking, adding a four-goal performance across Dingley, including multiple free runs inside 50. Analysts noted Polkinghorne could provide a tall forward option aligned with Shannon Neale, who led Geelong with four goals in the game. “He’s been really handy up forward for Geelong today,” said commentator Sam Hargreaves, highlighting a different forward profile that might slot into the lineup as a third target. With Jeremy Cameron dealing with injuries and Tyson Stengle unavailable, Polkinghorne—selected 24th in 2024—proved his viability for more forward roles. Ollie Henry also looked sharp, kicking three goals and signaling a potential return to Chris Scott’s squad after falling out of favor late last season.
Controversial take to ponder: If Dempsey and Polkinghorne translate these flashes into regular-season impact, Geelong could pivot toward more dynamic, multi-pronged forward pressure. Do you think teams should lean into a flexible, “campaign-by-committee” midfield instead of banking on a single star recruit? Share your thoughts in the comments.
