A Farewell to a Geelong Great: Tom Hawkins Announces Retirement
Geelong's games record holder and a three-time premiership winner, Tom Hawkins, has announced he will retire from the AFL at the end of the 2024 season. The news came on Tuesday, following the announcement of another AFL legend, Dustin Martin's, retirement.
Hawkins, who has been sidelined with a foot injury since Round 15, confirmed that his 18-season career will conclude after the current season. Despite the injury, he expressed his hopes of returning to the field and playing a role in Geelong's premiership push.
A Legacy of Dominance and Dedication
Hawkins' departure marks the end of an era for Geelong. He has played 359 games for the Cats, breaking great mate Joel Selwood's games record in May. He is also the 13th highest goalscorer in VFL/AFL history, with 796 goals to his name. His consistency and commitment to the club are evident in his 11-time leading goalkicker award and his five All-Australian selections.
A Family Affair
Hawkins' ties to the Cats run deep, with his father Jack and maternal grandfather Fred Le Deux both having played for Geelong. This lineage instilled in him a love for the club that he has proudly carried throughout his career.
A Farewell Message from a Champion
In a heartfelt video posted to social media, Hawkins shared his thoughts on his illustrious career. "It's been an awesome journey – it's certainly not over yet," he said, expressing his excitement for the remaining games of the season. "Some exciting times to come as we embark on the back half of the season."
A Tribute to a Generational Player
Geelong football boss, Andrew Mackie, who played alongside Hawkins from 2007 to 2017, paid tribute to the departing forward. "Tom has been an incredible presence both on and off the field at Geelong for the past 18 years, with his ability to play consistently at an elite level, along with humility and care for his teammates, trademarks of his career," Mackie said. "He is a generational player who will rightly be celebrated for his achievements on field, as well as the role he has played shaping our club into what it is today. We thank Tom, his wife Emma, and their children Arabella, Primrose and Henry for all they've given our club."
The Final Curtain
While Hawkins' foot injury has sidelined him for much of the season, he is hopeful of returning to the field soon. With the Cats still in finals contention, a fourth premiership medal remains a possibility for the legendary forward. As Hawkins prepares to step away from the game he loves, he leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of Geelong's greatest players, a testament to his talent, dedication, and love for the club.
