Geelong Cats: Tom Hawkins to miss final round clash as Tom Stewart says he would love him to play on

Cats vice-captain Tom Stewart has weighed in on his premiership teammate’s looming retirement decision. Plus, a star is set to miss their final round clash.

Tom Stewart is keen for Tom Hawkins to play on. Picture: Getty Images

Geelong vice-captain Tom Stewart would love to see Tom Hawkins play on in 2024 as he confirmed the champion goalkicker will sit out the final round of the season with injury.

Stewart said the decision was up to Hawkins and his family but conceded he “selfishly” wants the five-time All-Australian’s career to continue into an eighteenth season.

It comes as veteran ruckman Jon Ceglar, 32, announced his retirement from the game after 110 matches for Hawthorn and Geelong, with just nine of those coming with the Cats in the past two seasons.

Stewart said Hawkins, who has played 346 games and kicked 779 goals across his illustrious career, would help the Cats contend next year and that his guidance has been invaluable for him and the group.

Tom Hawkins won’t face the Western Bulldogs, this week. Picture: Getty Images

“I would love him to go around again, and I think that’s the selfishness in me that I want to contend next year and have the best team possible, so we all love Hawk and we all know how good he is for our footy club and the greater football community,” Stewart said.

“I think you can’t understate Tom Hawkins’ contribution. Not only from a playing standpoint but in particular for me as a leader of our club having him as a sounding board is something I truly value.

“There is not too many things he hasn’t experienced in football and to bounce some ideas off him and use him as someone that is in my corner is invaluable.

“He has got a decision to make but I think he has earnt that right to make that with his family and what their preference is moving forward.

“I think Hawk will miss this week.

“He has not only earnt that right but he has also had a difficult season individually, and then I think losing (Ratugolea) and (Close) and the like but again it is an opportunity for others to step in and learn how to play at the level.”

With the Cats’ finals hopes dashed, the Cats will go into the clash against the Western Bulldogs without Hawkins, Mitch Duncan (suspended), Brad Close (ankle) and Esava Ratugolea (hamstring).

Stewart said it is an opportunity for less experienced players to step up to the plate, as they have during the season.

Uncapped ruckman Toby Conway put himself in the mix for a debut with an impressive showing in the final round of the VFL, finishing with 21 disposals and 26 hit-outs against Greater Western Sydney.

Lively forward Ollie Dempsey (23 disposals and two goals), mid-season draftee Mitch Hardie (21 disposals and a goal), youngster Mitch Knevitt (21 and a goal) and father-son Osca Riccardi (21 disposals and a goal) were others to press their case for a final-round berth.

“We have had had a lot of growth from individuals who we may not haven’t necessarily expected to call on so it’s a chance for them to put their best foot forward,” Stewart said.

Originally published as Geelong Cats: Tom Hawkins to miss final round clash as Tom Stewart says he would love him to play on