Geelong champion Tom Hawkins to retire at the end of 2024 season

Currently sidelined with injury, champion goalkicker Tom Hawkins has made a call on his future. He reveals when he knew it was “the right time”.

Tom Hawkins will retire at the end of the season. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Geelong champion Tom Hawkins says there wasn’t a pinpoint moment he knew he’d call time on his illustrious career at the end of the season.

Rather it was a culmination of conversations after injuring his foot which saw the 36-year-old goalkicker decide it was the “right time” to draw close an 18-year AFL career.

Hawkins informed his teammates on Tuesday morning, before fronting a packed room filled with family, teammates, club people and media to elaborate further on his decision.

A packed room at Tm Hawkins’ retirement press conference. Picture: Brad Fleet

The Cats’ games-record holder said he was feeling a mix of emotions — from sadness, happiness and excitement for what’s next — as well as some relief when announcing his decision to teammates that morning.

“That was one of the hardest things I’ve done, get up in front of teammates and football department and staff and let them know,” Hawkins said.

Sidelined since round 16, Hawkins said it was while “planning and reflecting” after injuring his foot injury that conversations started around retiring, adding “father timecatches up with everyone”.

“I don’t think it has just yet but for me it was clear this was going to be my last year,” he said.

“It (injury) gave me a bit an opportunity to do some reflection and through those conversations, we sort of thought it was the right time and I’m really comfortable with it.

“But there wasn’t one particular moment, it was just a culmination of many different things.”

Tom Hawkins embraces wife Emma after the press conference. Picture: Brad Fleet

He said he first spoke to senior coach Chris Scott, along with chief executive Steve Hocking and football boss Andrew Mackie on the decision around a month ago.

“Maybe they knew, maybe they didn’t,” Hawkins said.

“I thought to myself at the start of the year, if it was going to be my last year, if and when I knew, I’d let them know out of respect.

“They’re key figures in the football club and people who have been there throughout the highest of highs but also the really tough, challenging moments.”

Hawkins said his relationships with people at and around the club would be what he missed the most.

“I was always competitive, had a will to win and be the best but being in that high-pressured environment where its high performance and collaborating with people is what I’ll miss the most,” he said.

Tom Hawkins hopes to enjoy his final few months as an AFL player. Picture: Brad Fleet

Hawkins thanked the fans for their support.

“It has been a hell of a ride, a hell of a journey and I want to thank you very much for all the support you have shown and given me throughout my 18 years at Geelong,” Hawkins said in a video message to Cats fans.

“It’s been an awesome journey, it’s certainly not over yet. Some exciting times to come as we embark on the back half of the season.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you and hopefully being out there soon.”

Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie labelled his premiership teammate as a “generational player”.

“Tom has been an incredible presence both on and off the field at Geelong for the past 18 years, with his ability to play consistently at an elite level, along with humility and care for his teammates, trademarks of his career,” Mackie said.

“He is a generational player who will rightly be celebrated for his achievements on field, as well as the role he has played shaping our Club into what it is today.

“We thank Tom, his wife Emma, and their children Arabella, Primrose and Henry for all they’ve given our Club.”

Hawkins is currently 13th on the all-time VFL/AFL goalkickers list with 796 majors from his 359 games, winning a Coleman Medal in 2020.

Earlier this season Hawkins became Geelong’s games record holder and has played 359 matches — four more than his former captain Joel Selwood.

A five-time all-Australian and three-time premiership player with the Cats, Hawkins led Geelong’s goalkicking for 11 straight seasons from 2012-2022.

Originally published as Geelong champion Tom Hawkins to retire at the end of 2024 season