Overview
- Hawthorn flipped a goalless first term by kicking 11 of the next 13 majors to take control before closing out the win.
- Rising forward Calsher Dear returned after a first‑term chest and rib knock and finished with two goals.
- Geelong recruit James Worpel impressed in his first proper hitout for the Cats with a strong midfield performance.
- Uncapped forward Joe Polkinghorne booted three goals and Shannon Neale added four to lead Geelong’s scoring.
- Hawthorn’s Nick Watson drew praise as coaches trialed midfield roles and fringe options ahead of community series selections and list decisions due by March 2.