Bailey Smith had to wait until just 30 minutes before the trade deadline to finalize his move last October, but in half an hour of February football, Geelong’s high-profile recruit showcased glimpses of his game-breaking best on Monday.
Sporting the iconic No.3 guernsey and a white headband, Smith seamlessly integrated into Chris Scott’s midfield rotation in his first match since Round 23, 2023. He impressed in the first half at GMHBA Stadium before sitting out most of the second half in a match simulation against Hawthorn.
Smith, who missed his final season with the Western Bulldogs due to knee reconstruction, joined Geelong via a four-club trade involving Matt Kennedy and Jack Macrae. The 24-year-old covered plenty of ground on the wing and briefly moved inside, linking up three times in one sequence before delivering a precise inside-50 pass. He also had a brief off-the-ball clash with Hawthorn captain James Sicily.
Geelong assistant coach James Rahilly noted Smith’s nerves after a year-long layoff but praised his performance. “I think it was important for him. He was a bit anxious, which is natural, but he played the way he wanted to and had a really solid hitout,” Rahilly said. “We moved him around a bit, and he looked good. He ran, carried the ball well, and spent time both on the wing and up forward.”
Ollie Henry took over in the second half, kicking four goals to propel the Cats to a 15.16 (106) to 13.8 (86) victory. On the other side, Will Day stood out for Hawthorn across the first three quarters, continuing his strong pre-season with a dominant midfield display, including two third-quarter goals. The 2023 Peter Crimmins Medalist looked poised for a big 2025 season.
Hawthorn’s James Sicily made a smooth return from shoulder surgery, playing in defense alongside recruit Josh Battle in the first half, while Tom Barrass is expected to feature next Thursday against the Western Bulldogs. Battle suffered a corked leg in the last quarter but returned briefly before sitting out the final 20 minutes.
Veteran Cats Patrick Dangerfield and Mitch Duncan split game time, with Dangerfield playing the first half before running sprints at halftime, while Duncan entered for the second half. Hawthorn defender Jack Scrimshaw didn’t return after being poked in the eye before the break.
The match also saw Mabior Chol and Henry inject energy in the third quarter, each kicking two goals, thrilling a few thousand spectators at Kardinia Park. Gryan Miers continued showcasing his elite ball use inside 50, while Brad Close finished with three goals in his signature long-sleeved No.45 guernsey. Shannon Neale provided a key target in attack as Geelong prepared for its first season without Tom Hawkins.
Hawthorn opted not to unveil too many young players, with Nick Watson missing due to illness. However, Cam Mackenzie impressed as he builds on his 20-game 2024 campaign in a competitive midfield group.
Looking ahead, Geelong will host Essendon next Tuesday in the AAMI Community Series, while Hawthorn will travel to Launceston for its 2025 opener against the Western Bulldogs.
Young Guns
Former first-round pick Connor O’Sullivan displayed his development with strong intercept marking, pushing for a Round 1 spot in Geelong’s backline. Ruckman Mitch Edwards had some promising moments, while Will McCabe and Bodie Ryan made brief appearances late in the game, both showing flashes of potential. Jasper Scaife and Noah Mraz also featured in the closing minutes.
Positional Changes
Finn Maginness moved to half-forward and hit the scoreboard after switching from No.32 to his father’s No.20, kicking two first-half goals. Blake Hardwick, who spent time up forward in 2024, continued in that role. Sicily moved forward in the second half after Jack Gunston exited, while Sam De Koning played most of the game in the ruck, with Rhys Stanley entering in the fourth quarter.
Injury Watch
Jack Scrimshaw missed the second half after an eye injury, and Josh Battle ended the game on the bench with a corked leg. Nick Watson sat out due to illness but is expected to return for the AAMI Community Series, along with Changkuoth Jiath and Luke Breust, who were rested. Tyson Stengle and Lawson Humphries played for the Indigenous All Stars over the weekend and are set to return next week. Meanwhile, Shaun Mannagh, Toby Conway, and Cam Guthrie are facing delayed starts to 2025. Jack Martin logged minutes in a VFL intraclub match later in the day.
Fantasy Watch
If you’re one of the 30% of Fantasy players without Bailey Smith (MID/FWD, $598,000), now’s the time to reconsider. The former Bulldog was busy early, proving he will be a key piece for the Cats in 2025. Lock him in.
FINAL SCORE: Geelong 15.16 (106) def. Hawthorn 13.8 (86)
GOALS: Geelong: O. Henry 4, Close 3, Cameron 2, Neale 2, O’Sullivan, Holmes, Miers, Wiltshire
Hawthorn: Maginness 2, Day 2, Chol 2, Gunston, Newcombe, Weddle, Morrison, Reeves, Ramsden, Hardwick
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