Touching family tribute ahead of Tom Hawkins’ milestone game

Geelong star Tom Hawkins’ wife, Emma, has posted a family tribute ahead of his milestone 300th game — but it’s his kids who have stolen the show.

Geelong star Tom Hawkins with his children ahead of his 300th game. Picture: Instagram

Die-hard AFL fans are ready and roaring for this year’s finals, regardless of what state they’re played in.

Victorian sisters Cheryl and Melissa Rossiter have been Geelong fans for more than 30 years.

“We’ve been members of the club for 25 years and have been on the cheer squad for over 10 years,” Cheryl Rossiter said.

“We never miss a game. We’re always on our couch two hours before a game starts to make sure we’re ready.

“We bleed blue and white.”

Geelong star Tom Hawkins with his daughters ahead of his 300th game. Picture: Instagram

Tom Hawkins with his children in front of the banner for his 300th game. Picture: Instagram

They said they were “absolutely devastated” to miss Tom Hawkins’ 300th game on Friday, with the Geelong star’s wife, Emma, posting an adorable picture on Instagram on Thursday to mark the occasion.

The photo featured the AFL great and their two children in front of a homemade Cats banner that read “well done daddy, 300 games, kick it in the middle”.

Cheryl Rossiter said she would cry of happiness if the grand final remained in Melbourne this year and she was able to see her team play at the MCG.

“It would honestly make my year. I would no doubt start crying,” she said.

“The Cats are going to bring the cup home this year, I just know it.”

Footscray resident Adam Pattison has been a Bulldogs fan for 40 years.

“I’ve been supporting the team my whole life. My whole family does and always has,” he said.

“This year we’ve tried to go to as many games as possible. We’ve made the trip to Ballarat and even flew to Adelaide for a game.”

Cheryl and Melissa Rossiter are diehard Geelong fans. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Mr Pattison decided to paint his fence in Bulldogs colours over the weekend just in time for the finals.

“It’s a yearly tradition now,” he said.

“It’s a great way to give back to the community – especially during this hard time.”

Mr Pattison said his whole family would be ecstatic if the Bulldogs got into the grand final.

“I went to the 2016 final with my father and grandfather.

“It would mean the world to be able to emulate that again, but we’d still be happy watching it at home on the TV from Perth.”