Cats say surgery ‘best option’ for premiership star after selfless finals act

Tom Hawkins will miss the start of the 2023 season after it was revealed he kept an injury secret quiet during the AFL finals series.

MELBOURNE . 24/09/2022. AFL Grand Final. Geelong Cats vs Sydney Swans at the MCG. Tom Hawkins of the Cats kicks at goal during the 3rd qtr. . Picture by Michael Klein

Geelong premiership star Tom Hawkins will undergo surgery on a foot injury he carried through the backend of the side’s 2022 season.

The 34-year-old kicked eight goals in his three finals and played a selfless role up forward, but the Cats revealed on Wednesday that it had been agreed surgery was “the best approach”.

It means Hawkins is now set to miss the start of the 2023 season, when the Cats will begin their premiership defence.

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“Our medical team and Tom have gone through an extensive process which has included consultation with specialists to determine the best approach and have come to the decision for Tom to undergo surgery this week,” Geelong football boss Simon Lloyd said.

“Tom is incredibly meticulous in his training and preparation, and we know he’ll have the same application to his recovery.

“We will take the time and diligence required to have him return to playing in early 2023.”

Hawkins is set to return from his off-season break in December.

This year, Hawkins added a third premiership medallion to his trophy cabinet, while also finishing the season as the clubs leading goalkicker for the 11th consecutive year.

He has played 327 games and penned a one-year contract extension to play on in 2023, which would be his 17th season.

Hawkins kicked 67 goals in the 2022 season and is now second for all-time career goal assists, with his 273 surpassed only by current Cats assistant coach Eddie Betts (318).

Originally published as Cats say surgery ‘best option’ for premiership star after selfless finals act