For 18 seasons, Tom Hawkins has been an imposing figure at Kardinia Park.
Arriving as a boy with a man’s body, the son of a gun has gone on to create a legacy unmatched by the majority of those who have pulled on the navy blue and white hoops over the past 165 years.
On Friday night at GMHBA Stadium against Port Adelaide, he will equal good mate Joel Selwood’s club record of 355 games.
The ever-humble Hawkins putting his milestone down to a combination of success and good timing.
“Over my time, we’ve missed the finals twice,” he said.
“And I know that in the years preceding coming here, there was a lot of momentum that was built up over a long period of time and a lot of work done by a lot of other people.
“In my eyes, I came into the organisation and got to reap the rewards of a lot of other people’s hard work.
“But as a player who comes through, and spending a significant amount of time, you’re also, in some ways being a leader, you help shape the place and the development of the group and the way it moves forward.”
Hawkins says a younger version of himself would be astounded by what’s unfolded since he arrived at Geelong with pick no.41 in the 2006 National Draft.
“It feels a bit surreal and sits slightly uncomfortably,” he said.
“But I make no bones about the fact I was an avid Geelong supporter. (I) I grew up watching the Cats through the (19)90s and early 2000s, wanting to be here, wanting to call this place home.
“I’ve spent half my life here now in Geelong and call it home, and refer to this environment – that is work – as my home away from home, so to speak.
“It’s been incredible. I’m sure that six-year-old boy that started Auskick would be pretty amazed.”
Hawkins was the first true full-forward to reach the 350-game milestone, and it can be argued he has played his best footy since turning 30, kicking 318 goals – including seven on his 30th birthday – from 130 games after as opposed to 427 from 224 prior.
The now 35-year-old (he turns 36 in July) cannot pinpoint why his career went to another level when others are slowing down when a ‘3’ becomes the first number in their age.
“(There is) no real rhyme or reason or formula,” Hawkins said.
“I have a great understanding of what makes me play well and what makes me a good teammate, and I think it’s just taken me a bit of time to grasp that.
“I’ve learned off a couple of my teammates that are here – ‘Lingy’ (Cameron Ling), ‘Mack’ (Andrew Mackie), Jimmy (Bartel); played a lot off football with Joel, obviously – about wanting to be consistent.
“I’ve always strived to be consistent as a player, and want to be consistent to be a good teammate.”
X: @krockfootball
