Geelong Cats

Geelong took the honours by 85 points over Hawthorn in the first four quarters of the match simulation before the respective VFL sides stepped in for the second ...

Tom Hawkins’ absence opened the door for Jack Henry to start forward alongside his brother, and by extension Henry’s move forward opened the door for Esava Ratugolea to continue to ply his trade down back, something he did to great effect on Thursday for the full four quarters. His dribble goal hard up against the boundary at the city end was one of the best you’ll see – a play set up by a characteristically desperate Zach Guthrie takedown of a stray Hawk. And Bowes, playing as a high half forward and at times through the middle, came exactly as advertised – cool under pressure, and high-quality ball use. Henry was like a Cat on a hot tin roof for the entire afternoon – the former Magpie looked dangerous every time the ball went near him, which was often, finishing the game with four goals, including his final one from a boundary line snap after the siren. Henry 4, Stengle 3, Dempsey 3, J. Patrick Dangerfield reminded everyone of his explosive straight-line speed, Sam Menegola’s ball use was pinpoint, Tom Stewart seemed to grow stronger and more confident as the game went on and Tyson Stengle was at times simply electric.

Recruit Ollie Henry impressed in Geelong's practice match against Hawthorn. (Geelong Cats Image/Susie Giese). GEELONG'S three key AFL trade recruits have ...

While it was only a dress rehearsal, it exposed the gulf in class and experience that the young Hawks must overcome if they are to be competitive this season. Henry, who was recruited from Collingwood to join his brother Jack at the Cats, kicked his fourth goal at the end of the fourth period. Cats newcomers Ollie Henry, Taylor Bruhn and Jack Bowes were all prominent on Thursday at GMHBA Stadium, while fringe key position player Esava Ratugolea also impressed in the 21.12 (138) to 7.11 (53) romp.