Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins earns plaudits from past greats
Geelong is being led admirably in attack by veteran Tom Hawkins as they prepare for a critical clash against Port Adelaide
As Tom Hawkins tore the Saints to shreds on Monday night, champion forwards of the past could not help but admire the performance of the veteran Cat.
Hawkins was too strong in marking contests, too nippy on the lead and far too canny for St Kilda’s defenders as he finished with five goals in the Cats’ 59-point win.
Former Melbourne skipper Garry Lyon was taken by the ease with which the 32-year-old was finding position, saying “he is in fantastic nick”.
Brisbane legend Jonathan Brown on Fox Footy was similarly impressed.
“Tommy Hawkins is like a good red. He is just getting better with age,” he said.
Given the physical punishment that comes with being a key position player, productivity often diminishes earlier than midfielders or those who spend their time on the flanks.
But heading into Friday’s clash against the top-placed Port Adelaide, Hawkins is defying the trend and seems certain to continue his career into a 15th season in 2021.
“I feel really good. And I have put a lot of work in. I feel like the footy I have played over the last few years has been as consistent as I probably put out,” he said.
“I will let people outside comment on that but I am really pleased with the shape I am in, the way I am moving, the way I am playing.”
Hawkins is understandably considered a champion at Geelong. A dual-premiership player, he has won the club’s goalkicking award for the past eight seasons.
But there has been discussion about whether the father-son recruit, who debuted with Geelong in 2007 and has now played 268 games, is a true superstar of the game.
Perhaps it is because he is yet to claim a Coleman Medal, although he is the equal leader in 2020 with 24 goals.
His tendency to earn a suspension with instances of rough play has irked opposition fans as much as it has frustrated Geelong supporters and officials.
But the consistency of the spearhead, who is out-of-contract at the end of this season, over the past decade is the mark of a player of the highest quality.
Hawkins has averaged between 2.2 and 2.8 goals per match every season since 2012, but his performance cannot be judged simply on the goals table.
Critically from a team perspective, he has been involved in more goal assists than any other player over the past three seasons.
According to AFL player ratings this year, Hawkins is the premier key forward, which is another tick given the recent form of counterparts Charlie Dixon and Josh Kennedy.
He sits 17th in the competition in general based on the AFL Player Ratings and is second only to Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield at his club.
The 32-year-old has also taken more marks inside the attacking 50m arc than any other player in 2020 and is revelling as a result of the Cats’ clinical ball use going forward.
Familiarity with those around the midfield and half-forward has helped build chemistry between the Cats midfield and attack.
Corey Enright, the former star Geelong defender, has also proven invaluable when performing a scouting role for Hawkins on the strengths and weaknesses of rivals.
Hawkins’ ability to hold his temper could be the key to the Cats’ premiership hopes.
His absence from last year’s preliminary final against Richmond due to suspension was particularly costly.
He tread the line again a fortnight ago but was able to escape a reprimand and said he remained a work in progress.
“I am frustrated with what happened and very disappointed. I look to find a way to not put myself in those positions,” he said.
“The reality is as a key forward, and when I play my best footy, I play with a bit of aggression, but for me it is about controlling that. I am confident enough that can happen.”
Players kicking more goals than the entire opposition team in games in 2020
— Swamp (@sirswampthing) August 10, 2020
1x: Josh Bruce, Charlie Cameron, Josh Kennedy WCE, Brody Mihocek
2x: TOM HAWKINS
@GeelongCats #AFLSaintsCats @AFL
Tom Hawkins is on the board and the Cats have two early goals ðŸ±#AFLSaintsCats pic.twitter.com/T6BCdJFHnq
— AFL (@AFL) August 10, 2020
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