Champion Geelong forward Tom Hawkins is set to play local footy in 2025

Lining up at full back in the second division of one competition just got a whole lot tougher, with goal kicking great Tom Hawkins revealing his plan to play local footy in 2025.

Geelong great Tom Hawkins. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Geelong goal kicking great Tom Hawkins has revealed his plan to play local footy in 2025.

Hawkins, who played 359 AFL games and kicked 796 goals, was a guest on the AFL Trade Radio with Sydney premiership star Dan Hannebery and journalist Tom Morris.

Hannebery asked the recently-retired Cat about his future at the close of the interview.

Hawkins listed the media, agriculture and family as his new priorities before Morris suggested the champion forward sign at Victorian Amateur Football Association club Old Melburnians.

Both Hawkins and Morris attended Melbourne Grammar – Old Melburnians’ affiliate.

Tom Hawkins farewelled the MCG for one final time on Saturday. Picture: Lachie Millard

The three-time premiership Cat said he would play for his junior club Finley in southern New South Wales, as well as hinting he had already committed to the Redlegs in the VAFA.

“I’ve got a couple on the list Tommy and 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.”

Old Melburnians have just been relegated from the VAFA’s top flight after a four-win 2024.

Hannebery, who plays at Old Xaverians in the VAFA Premier competition, was stoked he wouldn’t have to cross paths with Hawkins next year.

“Thank god you’re in B Grade, big fella,” Hannebery laughed.