Tom Hawkins on the Cats’ chances in 2025

As Tom Hawkins prepares to sit in the stands for the first time in almost 20 years, the retired star has delivered his verdict on the Cats’ hopes for 2025 and why a veteran trio are “still clearly” the keys.

Tom Hawkins is excited by the Cats’ prospects. Photo: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images.

Recently retired Geelong forward Tom Hawkins says an experienced trio still remain the “most important players” in the Cats’ bid to premiership success despite the development of the next generation of stars.

Hawkins believes the form of Tom Stewart, Patrick Dangerfield and Jeremy Cameron will “still clearly” determine how much of a threat Chris Scott’s men will be in season 2025.

The Cats fell short in last year’s preliminary final, losing to eventual premiers Brisbane by 10 points, with the two sides to meet in the season opener at the Gabba next Thursday night.

And Hawkins is “bullish” they’ll be right in the mix again.

“I think that was the most pleasing part for the Cats last year was the development that came from underneath,” he said.

“You saw Max Holmes take his game to another level, Gryan Miers. Ollie Dempsey won the Rising Star.

“Sometimes you look at Geelong from the outside and you look at the youth. But the experience plays a vital part. They’re going to need to stay healthy and have big years.

“As a Geelong supporter, now sitting on the other side of the fence, I’m always bullish about what they can do.

“And think the style they’re playing, the pace they’re playing with from the centre bounce forward is an exciting brand.”

Hawkins got his first in-person look at the Cats beyond his retirement, taking in a half of Tuesday night’s clash with Essendon at GMHBA Stadium.

“I thought they looked really sharp in the second quarter. Their ball movement through the middle of the ground and through the grounds looked really sharp,” he said.

“I thought Jack Henry looked really good. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys down the forward line, watching them develop and star for Geelong.”

Cats’ supporters got a glimpse into the future last season when Hawkins was sidelined with injury as Shannon Neale emerged as the new man to partner Cameron inside 50.

Neale eventually finished the season with 23 goals in 15 games.

As he did throughout 2024, Hawkins was quick to throw his support behind the fourth-year key forward.

“James Reilly and the other coaching staff have put a lot of work into Shannon.

“He himself has got an incredibly high work rate. He’s a completely different player to what I was.

“I’m expecting different things from Shannon.”

Originally published as Tom Hawkins on the Cats’ chances in 2025