Geelong forward Tom Hawkins concedes 2023 could be last year in AFL despite desires to play on

Coming off his best haul of goals in almost a decade, veteran Cat Tom Hawkins is optimistic he could play on in 2024 but concedes he is unsure where his future lies.

WARRNAMBOOL, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 06: Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins of the Cats train during the Geelong Cats AFL Community Camp at Warrnambool 24/7 on February 06, 2023 in Warrnambool, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Tom Hawkins is readying himself to step away from the game at the end of the 2023 season, but declared he was optimistic he would play on.

The gun forward is in the midst of his 17th AFL pre-season, but has been on a modified program as he recovers from off-season foot surgery.

Hawkins, who has not missed a game since round 14, 2018, said he felt like he could play on in 2024 but he was aware his form and health this year would dictate his future.

“I think going into each season I certainly don’t have ‘this could be my last year’ but I think the reality of playing professional sport is when you play a contact sport any year could be your last year,” he said.

“As a part of my journey in football, one of the really important parts of playing well is being able to enjoy it.

Geelong forward Tom Hawkins concedes 2023 could be last year in AFL despite desires to play on. Picture: Morgan Hancock

“I go into season 2023 as 34, turning 35, I don’t plan or envisage retiring after the end of the year but there’s a lot of things to play out so I’m just looking to enjoy my football, looking to continue to try to find ways to get better and improve.

“If I’m doing those things like I have in the last couple of years I think it holds me in good stead and allows me to try to perform at a high level.”

Despite be an elder statesman of the game, Hawkins has been as damaging as ever, slotting 67 goals in 2022, his best return since 2014.

But with Hawkins battling his recovery and superstar teammate Jeremy Cameron expecting the birth of his first child in March, Geelong may be without either forward to spearhead its attack in the early rounds of the season.

Hawkins said the Cats were “light on” in forward depth, but the young guns coming through are impressing through the pre-season.

“I’ve really enjoyed watching Ollie (Henry), obviously very different player to his brother Jack but they’re strikingly similar, obviously because their brothers, but some of their traits and the way they carry themselves and their athletic abilities is something I’ve enjoyed watching,” he said.

“He’s a player that can play multiple positions, I don’t exactly what’s in store for him and where the coaches see him playing, but he’s an exciting prospect.

“We’re a bit light on in big men down in the forward line at the moment.”

Originally published as Geelong forward Tom Hawkins concedes 2023 could be last year in AFL despite desires to play on