Geelong AFL star Tom Hawkins has called for patience as the Cats continue to experiment using All Australian defender Harry Taylor as a key forward.

Taylor has been effective as a pinch hitter in attack previously, managing a bag of six goals in 2012 against Greater Western Sydney.

But the 30-year-old has kicked just one goal in two pre-season competition games since being redeployed as a permanent forward.

“I think it’s going okay … certainly, we’re going to need more time together in game situations,” Hawkins told reporters on Thursday.

“You can’t get a feel for how each other (plays) with their running patterns and the way they like to kick the ball so much in training.

“When the heat’s on in a game … that’s when you really start to develop a bit of rapport.

“I think he’s gone well but pre-season games are hard … I’ve always found them hard to play well in as a forward.

“For us, it’s just about getting a bit of continuity … playing games and working out how each of us lead and kick.”

Hawkins has also booted just one goal across Geelong’s two pre-season losses, but is happy with his fitness approaching the 2017 season after an early hiccup.

“I missed a little bit of the start of pre-season with minor knee surgery, but I feel like I’ve got enough work in,” he said.

“I feel fit and I will have played three pre-season games and that always seems to hold me in a pretty good position.

“I’m confident and happy with how things have progressed.

“I’ve lost a couple of kilos … I feel fit and ready to go.”

The Cats round out their pre-season series on Sunday against Essendon in Bendigo.

The match is part of the Country Festival program between the clubs, aimed at celebrating the contribution of regional Australia.