Geelong veteran Tom Hawkins has re-signed with the club, extending his tenure at Kardinia Park into an 18th season.
Hawks was raised as a potential free agency target for rival clubs, given the delayed agreement between the two parties to sign an extension.
The Cats confirmed a new one-year deal for Hawkins on Friday afternoon however, with the 11-time Geelong leading goalkicker now in line to break the club's games record.
Hawkins has played 347 games in the hoops to be just nine appearances away from breaking ex-teammate and close friend Joel Selwood's record at Geelong.
โI'm truly humbled to be entering my 18th season with the Cats, the team I grew up cheering for,โ Hawkins said in a club statement.
โThe choices we make in professional sports aren't isolated, they ripple out and involve lots of other people in your life. That's why after each season, after each contract, I always take time to sit and reflect with my loved ones to discuss our future and not only what's the best for me but also for everyone who's on this journey with me.
โI was always motivated to continue playing with the Cats. Geelong isn't just where I work, it's home. It's the community that's given me so much, and I feel privileged to have another chance to give back in 2024.
โThe future looks bright from here in Geelong. I look forward to the young guys keeping me young, and continuing to give my all to this Club.
โMy motivation without question is still there. I will continue as I was always taught, to try and leave this Club in a better place than when I started. I'm really excited for the challenge that's in front of the team and myself moving forward into the future.โ
Hawkins initially joined Geelong through the 2006 National Draft as a father-son selection, following in the footsteps of his father, Jack, to play for the Cats.
Now a three-time premiership player, Hawkins has won five All-Australian selections, a Coleman Medal and a Carji Greeves Medal during his time with the Cats to currently rank third on the club's all-time goalkickers list.
Hawkins trails Gary Ablett Snr. (1021 goals) and Doug Wade (834) with his 781 goals from 347 games.
