Hawkins has averaged 2.42 goals per game since he turned 30 on the day in 2018 when Geelong beat the Demons with a Zach Tuohy kick after the siren. He had averaged 2.11 before then in a career that has so far seen him part of three premierships, and win a best and fairest and a Coleman Medal.
He said he was able to switch on and off from the game easily so was not troubled by his form. He said his longevity in the game also meant such lapses were nothing new, and that he would never go searching for a goal just to put the statistic to sleep.
Tom Hawkins (second from left) on Tuesday at GMHBA stadium with fellow Cats icons Jimmy Bartel, Joel Selwood, and Ian Nankervis.Credit: AFL Photos
“I’ve never, never played football like that … for me it’s about how I can influence the game and help my teammate,” Hawkins said.
His dual-premiership teammate Harry Taylor said the ability for Hawkins to adapt as the forward line continually changed around him was something he admired.
Taylor said during his time at the Cats, the backline and midfield were relatively stable but, apart from Hawkins, the forward line kept changing. He said Hawkins had also managed to combine a warm personality that made him “considerate with a ruthless competitive edge”.
Other 300-game Cats on-hand on Tuesday were Selwood, Jimmy Bartel and Ian Nankervis, with Corey Enright and Sam Newman, who were both invited, unable to attend due to other commitments. Along with Hawkins’ father Jack and maternal grandfather Fred Le Deux, the family will have played 555 games combined for Geelong by the weekend.
Having not received a free kick for his past 10 matches, Hawkins has another personal best, along with his goal drought, to not celebrate as he matches his great friend and three-time premiership teammate on 355 matches.
He knows things will change and is not yet contemplating his football mortality.
“Life is far too busy for me to worry too much about that,” Hawkins said.
“For me, it’s just about how I get back to being able to help the team as quickly as I can. I don’t overthink that part of my game … I’ve got a great balance to be able to focus on what is football and then once I remove myself from this place, I become a father and a part-time farmer and a golfing enthusiast.”
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