Geelong’s Tom Hawkins on track to win his first Coleman Medal
Barring the extraordinary, Tom Hawkins will crown a remarkable season by claiming his first Coleman Medal.
Barring the extraordinary, Tom Hawkins will crown a remarkable season by claiming his first Coleman Medal when the regular season finishes on Monday week.
Even a flood of biblical proportions, which is predicted for Friday night’s fascinating encounter between Geelong and Richmond, should not be enough to deny the Cat.
The 32-year-old holds a nine-goal advantage on dual-Coleman Medallist Josh Kennedy of West Coast, with Port Adelaide’s Charlie Dixon sitting third with two matches remaining.
Hawkins is set to claim the award with the lowest tally of goals since World War I due to the unique circumstances of this season but that does not diminish his importance.
According to Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield, who has provided the big Cat with plenty of opportunities this season, no player has been more influential than Hawkins.
“I think we have got the best player in the competition in Tom Hawkins,” he told SEN.
“I think if you are announcing an MVP of the league, then he is it. He has just been extraordinary really.
“We rate him incredibly highly internally. We always have, even if he hasn’t always received the plaudits externally. This year, though, has just been wonderful, to be frank.”
It is a rarity for footballers to produce their best at a time when many peers are either retired or on the verge of doing so, particularly as a key forward. But as valuable as the dual-premiership Cat has been through his career, that is undoubtedly the case in his 14th season.
Despite his age, former Geelong spearhead Cam Mooney believes Hawkins deserves a contract extension beyond 2021 given his deeds this year.
According to the AFL’s Player Ratings assessment, Hawkins has recorded a higher rating this season than any key forward of the past decade.
This is some feat given the calibre of his peers, led by Lance Franklin and including Kennedy and a rival on Friday night in Tiger Jack Riewoldt.
Geelong coach Chris Scott said the credit should go to Hawkins.
“Hopefully the team is helping him a little bit. Hopefully the coaches are helping him a little,” Scott said.
“But the majority of it is the way he has committed himself and the way he has prioritising his strengths.”
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said this week Hawkins was “a reason they are playing so well”.
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Top-10 after adjusting 2020 to 20 minute quarters...
— AFL Player Ratings (@AFLPlayerRating) September 10, 2020
17.6* - 2020 Hawkins
17.5 - 2012 Franklin
17.3 - 2014 Franklin
15.8 - 2017 Franklin
15.7 - 2016 Franklin
15.2 - 2012 Roughead
15.1 - 2018 Franklin
15.0 - 2010 Franklin
14.9 - 2013 Roughead
14.8 - 2011 Franklin https://t.co/cZmZmeoiPU
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