Pre-Season Recap Pod: Hawks vs Cats

Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for the most in-depth and wide ranging Hawthorn coverage available. Exclusive interviews to analysis, match recaps to podcasts, the Insiders have you covered. Season 2026 is upon us and the Hawks fired up in sweltering conditions in their first pre-season hitout at the KCC. The Hawks prevailed by 17 points over the Cats — 16.15 (111) to 14.10 (94) — in front of a healthy brown and gold turnout at our new home. There was plenty to like, and plenty to refine. But for a first official outing at KCC, 16 goals and a 17-point win over the Cats is a pretty nice way to christen the place. Listen as Ash, Mick and Brad discussed: * The midfield mix and why Ward is trending towards the clear No.2 behind Jai; * What we need from our centre bounce rotations in 2026. * Reeves and Meek: how the ruck balance looked and why synergy matters more than raw hitout numbers this time of year; * Sam Butler’s statement game — forward pressure, elite tackling and whether he’s now locked into our best 23; * Mitch Lewis’ presence up forward and how the mix of Lewis, Dear, Chol and (eventually) Gunston shapes the structure; * The kids watch — Noah Mraz competing hard and Aiden Schubert showing promise; * Why Flynn Perez is pressing hard for that SSP spot; * The upcoming Round One matchup against a GWS side dealing with significant injuries; * First impressions of the Kennedy Community Centre — strong crowd, great energy… and yes, the melted bitumen in the car park; * And much much more. We’ll be back later in the week with our mid-week pod featuring all your listener questions (don’t forget to get them in via our socials). Follow us on social media through the links below: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hawksinsiders.substack.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices