As Tom Hawkins calls time on his 18-year career, he will be remembered as one of the greatest Cats and among the finest forwards to ever play in the AFL.
Hailing from little Finley in the New South Wales Riverina, Hawkins’ father Jack, his uncles Robb and Michael Hawkins, and Grandfather Fred Le Deux all played for Geelong, so it was never any surprise he would be adorned in the blue and white hoops.
Described as a player from a forgotten time and riddled with injuries throughout his youth, few thought Tom Hawkins would make it to 200 games, let alone 359 to become Geelong’s games record holder.
A powerhouse key forward in the era of team defences, Hawkins booted 796 goals on his conquest to three premierships, five All-Australians, a Carji Greeves and a Coleman medal.
But it was Tomahawk’s selfless leadership that captured my own and many other Cats fans’ hearts.
A dominant presence both literally and figuratively on the field, Hawkins often subverted the traditional key forward position and sacrificed his own game to elevate his teammates. Whether through playing a decoy role or - more famously – through delivering silver service assists.
Throughout his career Hawkins has racked up 296 goal assists, the second most in AFL history and the most by far of any key forward.
It’s the little moments like when Hawkins handballed to Jordan Clarke while standing on the goal line to give that young cat his first goal back in 2019 which epitomises the selfless player Hawkins is.
But he’s never feared the big time either.
Replacing Geelong veteran Cam Mooney in the 2011 Grand Final, Tom Hawkins announced himself to the world, kicking three goals when the game was there to be taken.
Likewise, in the 2022 Grand Final, Hawkins kicked the opening two goals to sink the Sydney Swans’ hopes. Though perhaps Hawkins’ most memorable moment was against old archrivals Hawthorn on a cold late winter’s night in 2012, when he topped off a bag of six goals with an after-the-siren winner.
Regardless of how Hawkins is remembered, it’s clear his class has always shone through.
Geelong fans have long been blessed by great forwards: Wade, Ablett Sr, Johnson, and more have excited crowds and shattered records.
However, Hawkins separated himself with his down-to-Earth nature and connection to the Geelong faithful, soldiering on as an ever reliable and fiercely loyal veteran of the club.
As the final chapter closes on a marvellous career, we can only hope to see him down at Kardinia Park one last time and pray he kicks those lost four goals to end on a well-deserved 800-goal milestone.
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