SAD NEWS: Geelong veteran reveals plans to retire….see why

SO PAINFUL THAT A Cats legend has called time on his career.

Veteran Geelong player Tom Hawkins has announced he will retire at the end of his 18th season with the Cats, making 2024 his final season.

On Tuesday morning, the champion key forward told teammates of his choice.

Currently out due to a foot injury, Hawkins still has the opportunity to add to his club-record 359 games played for the blue and white hoops should he decide to play again, either in the finals should Geelong finish in the top eight or at the end of the home and away season.

With 796 goals under his belt, the 36-year-old will finish his career as Geelong’s 11-time top goalkicker. He presently holds third place on the club’s all-time goals record.

In addition, Hawkins has been an All-Australian five times, the recipient of the Carji Greeves Medal, the Coleman Medal, and three premierships (winning in 2009, 2011 and 2022).

As a father-son selection at Pick 41 in the 2006 National Draft, he joined the team to play for the Cats, continuing his father Jack’s legacy.

Geelong football manager Andrew Mackie stated in a club statement, “Tom has been an incredible presence both on and off the field at Geelong for the past 18 years. His ability to play consistently at an elite level, along with humility and care for his teammates, trademarks of his career.”

He is a player who transcends generations, and it is only fitting that we honor him for both his on-field accomplishments and the part he played in creating the Club that it is today.

“We appreciate everything that Tom, his wife Emma, and their kids Arabella, Primrose, and Henry have done for our Club.”

Hawkins’ current total is good for fourth all-time behind only close buddy Joel Selwood (4), Hawthorn great Michael Tuck (39) and AFL veteran Shaun Burgoyne (35). Hawkins might add to his 32 career finals matches with a late-season return from injury.

Hawkins is now ranked 13th in the V/AFL goal standings after booting 46 or more goals in 12 different seasons. He would tie Richmond champion Matthew Richardson on 800 goals with four more goals.

The seasoned forward played in his first VFL season with Geelong in 2007 and was named captain of the All-Australian squad in 2022.

Hawkins has scored 15 goals in 12 games so far this season.