Wizard Shines as Hawks Seek Midfield 'X-Factor'

The Blues recruit who kicked four goals, and the teenage bolter who pressed his claims for opening round debut

Match simulation week officially began on Monday when Hawthorn and Geelong, two clubs expected to challenge for the premiership, took to the field. Here’s what we learnt.

Wizard shines as Hawks seek midfield 'X-factor'

Nick Watson was outstanding in Hawthorn's practice match victory over Geelong, while Ollie Dempsey looked good in a new role for the Cats.

Hawks down Cats in practice match

Led by livewire Nick Watson, Hawthorn defeated Geelong by 17 points in a preseason practice match Dingley’s Kennedy Community Centre on Monday 16 February. Both sides were missing a swag of key players – many of them on State of Origin duty – as the Hawks dominated the middle stages, kicking nine consecutive goals through the second and third quarters of their 16.15(111) to 14.10(94) win. Geelong recruit James Worpel came under plenty of attenti…

Sick Cat out of first match simulation hitout against Hawks

Follow live coverage of Hawthorn's match simulation against Geelong