Press Conference

See what young star, Lawson Humphries had to say ahead of his second AFL Finals campaign

Humphries on his preparation

I think I am just trying to keep it as normal as possible, I don’t want to over emphasise how important the game is.

Obviously it is a super important game, but I think I have learned over the years that if you keep your routine and keep everything as normal as possible, it is probably the best way to mentally and physically prepare for the game.

I just try to do what I have done all year and prepare as best I can. 

Humphries on learning from the best

They not necessarily giving advice, but you just see how they go about it.

They have a really good understanding of what they like to do, and what is going to prepare them best for playing their best on the weekend. I think you can learn a lot from just watching these guys and seeing how they do it.

That has been the beauty of having those guys around, that experience and that dedication to craft, you get a greater understanding of the work that goes into it.

For me, with those older and more experienced guys, learning from them from what they do and not necessarily what they say.

I think that has held us in good stead all year. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 01: Lawson Humphries of the Cats kicks a goal during a Geelong Cats AFL training session at GMHBA Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Humphries on his routine

I start listening to music pre-game, music is the one for me a couple hours before when you start to get excited.

Travelling into Melbourne, I will probably chill out until I get to the ground because you don’t want to get too amped up too early.

Even my music is pretty chill. The last song I listen to before I play will be ‘How to Make Gravy’ by Paul Kelly, so not necessarily a hype song but that is one that gets me in the zone.

I have a lot of songs that are sentimental to me and that is what gets me excited to play footy. 

Humphries on what sets Geelong apart

I think we have a really good balance and understanding of what our goals are.

So obviously your goal is to play Finals and I think the group understands what it takes to get there, and they really put the work on during pre-season and in the season. We have a really good strength and conditioning group that look after us really well, getting us prepped for the big games and to be ready coming into September.

I think also mentally we do a lot of work individually, but as a group too on trying to be well prepared for what is ahead.

I think that is just as important as anything and we are probably lucky to be away from Melbourne, because I could imagine that being super hectic. Out here, for me it is a 10 minute drive home everyday which is pretty easy. 

Humphries on playing at the MCG

GMHBA Stadium is home, but I personally like the big ground.

I like lots of space, I am not an inside bull so I much prefer having a bit more space to run on the wings and at half back.

I am pretty happy to play at the ‘G. I think as a kid, you grow up and you want to play the big games at the ‘G.

It is a privilege to play at the MCG and it is the home of footy, so I think I would prefer to play there.Â