Star Geelong recruit Bailey Smith was quick to have an impact in his first outing in new colours, while Hawthorn would've been left equally pleased with the dominant display from reigning best and fairest Will Day on Monday.

The Cats recorded a 20-point win in what was a close contest for most of the match, with an early headstart for the home side quickly quashed by the Hawks in the midriff of the match at Kardinia Park.

Geelong were on the board in the opening minutes thanks to some forward pressure that saw an exiting kick from young Hawk Seam Mitchell land in the lap of Cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron, who kicked truly to get his day underway.

Cameron would be one of several senior Cats who played limited minutes in their side's opening contest of the pre-season, with captain Patrick Dangerfield and Smith among those who weren't seen in the later stages of the game.

Smith, who is coming off a year on the sidelines due to an ACL injury, looked back to his silky ball-winning best in midfield, pairing nicely with fellow onballer Max Holmes as a threatening one-two punch at the contest.

AFL Practice Match โ€“ Geelong v Hawthorn
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Bailey Smith of the Cats runs down the wing during the AFL practice match between Geelong Cats and Hawthorn Hawks at GMHBA Stadium on February 17, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The duo, along with lively forward Gryan Miers, were among the Cats' best in their strong start to the contest, with Miers' creativity directly setting up multiple goals in the first half for Chris Scott's side.

Oliver Henry would take over in the second half with four majors, leading all Cats goalkickers as Brad Close (three), Shannon Neale (two) and Cameron also booted multiple majors. Holmes, Miers, Connor O'Sullivan and Oliver Wiltshire each booted one.

The Cats would've also been happy to see young midfielder Mitch Knevitt transition his strong summer form into Monday's hitout, with the mobile utility set to add another layer to Scott's midfield mix.

Other young Cats in Tanner Bruhn and Jhye Clark look ready to take the next steps in their young careers and support the top line of Holmes, Smith and Dangerfield also.

The midfield clash was a back-and-forth battle all game, with the Hawks getting the upper hand at stages thanks to star midfielder Will Day.

The Peter Crimmins Medal winner was a level above from the offset as he looked to stamp his authority on the game and set up a solid sixth season in the brown and gold after having his 2025 end early through injury.

The 23-year-old's midfield-forward role paid dividends, with Day booting two goals as a high-impact asset in the front half of the field.

Jai Newcombe and James Worpel were again integral in the Hawks' midfield work, while youngster Cameron Mackenzie only strengthened his chances of a larger role under Sam Mitchell in 2025.

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All-Australian Dylan Moore was a key part of many scoring chains for the Hawks, with Mabior Chol and Finn Maginness getting on the end of the attacking avenues to contribute two goals each.

The Hawks shared the remainder of their goals for the day, with Jack Gunston, Newcombe, Josh Weddle, Harry Morrison, Ned Reeves, Max Ramsden and Blake Hardwick each booting one.

New recruit Josh Battle was rock solid in defence for large periods of the game, while his distribution from the back half looks set to be a weapon for the Hawks to call on in the coming campaign.

The Hawks are set to travel to Tasmania for their next pre-season match - a Community Series clash with the Western Bulldogs.

Geelong have another game at GMHBA Stadium next Tuesday when they host Essendon for their final game of the summer before an Opening Round bout with Brisbane.