Over the hill? Tom Hawkins rebukes ageing Geelong list concerns

Veteran forward Tom Hawkins has hit back at suggestions Geelong is collectively over the hill heading into 2022. But how are the Cats’ ‘golden oldies’ really holding up? TAKE OUR POLL

Veteran forward Tom Hawkins says suggestions Geelong are collectively over the hill are wrong, saying he is confident the Cats will be more than competitive once again in 2022.

Hawkins was part of the preliminary final side that fell to Melbourne in devastating circumstances this year, with the Demons going on to claim the 2021 premiership against the Western Bulldogs two weeks later.

But an injection of youth and a new look coaching staff has had the Cats up and about since returning from their off-season break, with players enjoying the training sessions they have had to date leading in to Christmas.

Hawkins said while he was aware of the external talk Geelong might be now past it in terms of being a premiership threat, those on the inside at GMHBA Stadium were buoyant about next season.

Coach Chris Scott and Jack Henry at Geelong Cats training.

“I have heard that we are an ageing list but I don’t feel like that,” Hawkins said.

“I don’t look around our side and think we are a certain age demographic. We may or may not be the oldest (list) but I look at our group and think we have got wonderful experience with an injection of youth this year, new people and new faces.

“So I think we are in a wonderful position and personally I am always grateful as a player to play in a side that each year gets the opportunity to compete and win at the highest level, so I am always thankful for that.

Cats' oldest heading into 2022

Shaun Higgins – 34 in March
Injuries restricted him to 18 games, meaning he did not quite reach the heights he reached at North Melbourne in his first year at Geelong - the knee being most troublesome. If he gets his body right is as classy with ball in hand as they come

Joel Selwood – 34 in May
Has broken nearly every record there is to break at Geelong and came eighth in the club best-and-fairest in 2021. Would love to finish his career with the title of premiership captain. Past issues have included hamstring and syndesmosis injuries, but he still managed 24 games last year

Tom Hakwins – 34 in July
Another All-Australian season in 2021 and like a fine wine he just gets better with age. His body is going strong too, playing every game. Came third in the Carji Greeves Medal and looks like he still has plenty of top class footy in him

Isaac Smith – 34 next December
One of the recruits of the season across the competition in 2021, Smith’s endurance is elite and his run and carry with the ball was a weapon for the Cats last season. He missed just one game, and will be a vital cog in the midfield again in 2022.

Zach Tuohy – 33 next December
Used everywhere and rarely disappointed. His versatility is incredible and some of his passes in the semi-final were next level. Deserves a premiership and will be working as hard as ever to achieve it. He did miss few games with a moderate hamstring injury - his first - late in 2021, which could be something to monitor.

“It is not that I am biased but I envisage Geelong will be competitive (next) year, so I don’t see that (older age demographic). I may be wrong, I have been wrong before a lot of times, but I am excited and will let the people externally have their opinions on that, but internally I am confident.”

One of the new Cats Hawkins is excited about getting the chance to play alongside is former Adelaide and Richmond goal sneak Tyson Stengle, who has been lively at Geelong training on the occasions he has been on the park.

Hawkins said he was keen to establish some on-field chemistry with Stengle, as well as build on the relationship he formed with fellow key forward Jeremy Cameron.

Tyson Stengle, Patrick Dangerfield and Quinton Narkle at Geelong training.

“I am excited to play with Tyson and he has obviously had a wonderful year playing in the SANFL and has come in and is getting to know a new group at his third AFL club,” he said.

“I am excited at the prospect of Esava (Ratugolea) continuing to develop, and Jeremy (Cameron) is fit and training so I am looking forward to playing more footy with him.

“I always think chemistry in any sport is important so the more time (we spend together), particularly because Jeremy and I are permanent forwards and key-position players and your chemistry is really important as keys, I think that is going to be important moving forward.

“It is hard even for a senior player like Jeremy to change clubs and come in to a new environment and new system and be injured and really be able to fully fit in within the system, and understand the intricacies of how players kick the footy and what they like to do.

“So it will be wonderful for him, it will be great for me, and it will be great for the team.”

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Originally published as Over the hill? Tom Hawkins rebukes ageing Geelong list concerns