Although Geelong’s seasoned player Tom Hawkins acknowledged that he’s “not in great touch” right now, he believes his form will improve and that the Cats forward will prioritise impact over output.
Despite Geelong’s 7-1 start to the season, Hawkins has missed four straight games without a major for the first time in his 35-year career. Additionally, his score involvement numbers have suffered.
On Easter Monday, Hawkins scored his final goal against Hawthorn, combining with Oliver Henry to score eight goals in a convincing victory over their bitter rivals.
The Cats have relied on their triple premiership forward to keep up his threat to defences as an attacker thanks to his accurate shooting and link-up play.
Regarding Hawkins, the five-time All-Australian is attempting to get over his “speed hump” in form by focusing on how he can make the biggest difference each weekend.
Hawkins told the media on Tuesday, “I feel like I’m playing a significant role in the team, even though I’m well aware that I’m not in great touch right now.”
Our motto as a team, as a 23-man roster that plays every week, and especially as a forward line, is that we have an abundance of options to score.
There will be a slight variation in the amount of goals scored each week. Indeed, I would like to have a little more of an impact during the games; this is merely a minor speed bump. I’ll get through it and be alright, I’m sure of it.
“I’ll only be thinking about how I can best support my teammates and impact the game when I go into this one. I’ve always believed that my contributions go beyond just my goal-kicking prowess.”
Hawkins’ 355th appearance in the hoops on Friday night against Port Adelaide will tie his game record at Geelong set by former teammate and close friend Joel Selwood.
When the Cats travel to Darwin in Round 10 to play the Gold Coast Suns, Hawkins is expected to surpass this former captain; however, the club may choose to manage their veteran forward and have him reach the milestone at Kardinia Park.
Geelong will make a decision the following week after “ongoing” talks between Hawkins and the coaches regarding his handling of the 18th season.
The Finley product stated, “I’ve had conversations, and they’re ongoing, about how to best manage me as a player.”
“I turn 36 in July, and I’ll always need management and systems in place to enable me to perform to the best of my abilities for as long as possible.
“They’re ongoing discussions, nothing is certainly locked in, but we’ll continue to have those conversations.”
Along with captain Patrick Dangerfield, another senior Geelong player whose contract expires in 2024, Hawkins is one of several players in the group of Cats without a contract.
Surprisingly, Dangerfield’s name was connected to his old team Adelaide, who are rumoured to be interested in bringing the Brownlow Medal winner back to West Lakes after he asked to join Geelong nine years ago.
Hawkins said the Geelong midfielder would find it an unlikely endeavour.
Regarding the report, Hawkins remarked, “Yeah I heard that, I texted him last night with no response.”
“He expressed a strong desire to return to Geelong in 2015, but who knows? Pat will have to deal with that.”
At 7:10 p.m. (AEST) on Friday, the Cats take on Port Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium.
