Former Geelong star Tom Hawkins headed for the VAFA in 2025

Former Geelong superstar Tom Hawkins is set to pull on the boots in the VAFA in 2025, linking with a “magical place’’ that left a lasting impression on him as a schoolboy.

Tom Hawkins of the Cats celebrates after kicking a goal in round 13, 2024, in Sydney, (Photo by Brendon Thorne)

Happy memories of his school days will lure Tom Hawkins to the Victorian Amateur Football Association in 2025.

The retired Geelong superstar appears certain to play a game with Old Melburnians in Premier B.

Hawkins attended Melbourne Grammar School and has spoken of his desire to return for a game.

Old Melburnians’ new coach Nathan Brown expects it to happen.

“I really do think he’ll play. Just one game, which would be unreal for our young boys,’’ Brown said.

“I’m not sure when and it would have to fit in with his program.’’

Tom Hawkins playing for Melbourne Grammar against Scotch College in 2006.

Hawkins first hinted at the possibility of playing with Old Melburnians in a radio interview last October.

Speaking with Sydney premiership star Dan Hannebery and journalist Tom Morris on AFL Trade Radio, he was asked about his future at the close of the interview. Morris suggested the champion forward sign at Old Melburnians.

Morris also attended Melbourne Grammar – Old Melburnians’ affiliate.

“I was speaking to a few Old Melburnians at a function on Friday before the grand final,” Hawkins said.

“I think I may have committed, I am definitely going to play a game up in Finley and certainly Old Melburnians.

“There’s not many of our mates from school days still playing so I will be a bit like I was at the football club, around a lot more younger blokes with no friends.”

Hawkins slots a goal for the Cats. Pic: Michael Klein

Brown confirmed OMs had spoken to Hawkins about playing.

“The club certainly has,’’ he said.

“Even on Monday night after the committee meeting they were a hundred percent certain that he was going to play at some stage for the footy club.

“And that’s just on him giving back to the place that obviously he loved with his schooling, which is unreal.

“It’s incredible. When he left the place what the imprint that left on him...it must have been a magic little place for him, and I can see why. We’re doing training there and it’s a magical place…the school have been nothing short of amazing, you go in there and it’s like Harry Potter, it’s so beautifully put together.’’

Hawkins played 359 AFL games, kicking 796 goals and playing in three premierships.

Old Melburnians will compete in VAFA Premier B this year after being relegated from the top flight in 2024.

Brown, the former Melbourne defender, was appointed coach last September.

It’s his second stint as coach, having steered OMs to the VAFA top-flight during a 150-game, eight-year stint at the helm from 2012-19.

Brown said Old Melburnians would field a “pretty young’’ side this year.

“Lots of young homegrown boys that will get great opportunity. No ceiling on it,’’ he said.

“I’ve been in B and it’s a really good even comp right down from top to bottom. No easy games last year. And there will be no easy games this year with Hampton Rovers and Old Carey coming up.’’

Old Melburnians will play two practice matches, against Uni Blues and Old Haileybury.

Will Nichols will captain OMs, with previous captain Jackson Paine to remain in the leadership group to help with the transition.