Hawkins thanks Cats ahead of 350th game

GEELONG superstar Tom Hawkins is soaking up the lead-in to his milestone 350^th AFL game next week, before the key forward further etches his name into Cats history.

Hawkins answered questions from the media earlier today (Tuesday, March 26) ahead of his 350^th game on Easter Monday against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Hawkins took the opportunity to thank his support network for allowing him to reach the rare milestone.

“My family, my mum and dad, my siblings, and then the footy club who have been amazing to me,” Hawkins said.

“I used to barrack for the Cats as a kid, so I’m living out a childhood dream.

“I’ve met some incredible people who have helped me out along the way, I’ve had two great coaches.

“Scotty’s [Chris Scott] been wonderful for me in going from a boy to a man, he’s taught me a lot of things about football and also life, which has been amazing.

“From physios to teammates that I’ve had incredible memories with, the list goes on.”

Hawkins will become just the 24^th player to reach the rare 350-game club, 18 years after being selected 41^st in the 2006 national draft under the father-son rule.

He made his debut in Round 2, 2006, kicking three goals in a 78-point drubbing of Carlton.

Now in his 18^th consecutive season, Hawkins ranks as one of the greatest forwards and goalkickers in Geelong’s history, kicking 786 goals so far.

Hawkins’ longevity as a forward is well-established kicking at least 49 goals each season since 2012.

Scott said he often saw Hawkins as a template of what he is trying to transform his experienced players into.

“Listening to Tom, I’m constantly reminded how fortunate I was to end up at the Cats as a young 34-year-old, and most of us are similar in that respect, and I remember being a little intimidated by the quality of the squad at the time.

“But I was also quite enthused by some of the younger guys coming through, I guess I could kind of relate to Tom when I got here. He was clearly a highly talented player that hadn’t quite cracked it for sure.

“It was that 2011 Grand Final probably about halfway through when he grabbed that game by the scruff of the neck, that gave me a bit of a sense we had a lot to look forward to with him.”

Hawkins’ three premierships with the Cats in 2009, 2011 and 2022 are at the top of his accolades.

He has received five All Australian selections (2012, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), including one as captain in 2022.

Hawkins is also a Carji Greaves Medallist (2012) and a Coleman Medal winner (2020).

Following Monday’s game, Hawkins will be just five games away from equalling Geelong’s individual games record of 355, held by former captain Joel Selwood.

Geelong’s Round 3 clash with Hawthorn in Melbourne on Easter Monday begins at 3.20pm.