Geelong veteran Tom Hawkins is reportedly partaking in ongoing contract negotiations with the Cats to secure a new deal for the 2024 season, sharing the latest update on his playing status for next season as his current contract expires this year.
The sharpshooting forward didn't play in the Cats' season finale against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night due to a nagging hamstring injury, instead put on ice for the 'dead-rubber' game for Chris Scott's already-eliminated side.
Hawkins' footballing future has been a topic of contention as the season has wound to a close, particularly with no new contract signed as yet.
However, speaking to 7News reporter Mitch Cleary on Saturday, the 35-year-old appears ready to do the rounds again in hoops.
"[I] expect to be playing (for Geelong next year), [I'm] really eager to," Hawkins told Channel 7.
"Physically, obviously, my body's sort of let me down a little bit late this year, but yeah, [I'm] really keen and excited mentally to play on, and then hopefully, like most of my contracts have been (throughout my career), [it's] a mere formality."
Hawkins needs to play just nine more games to overtake former premiership teammate Joel Selwood as Geelong's all-time games record-holder.
The Bulldogs defeated the Cats on Saturday to keep their finals hopes alive for at least another day, while Geelong will soon turn its attention to the upcoming player movement period.
Off-contract key defender Esava Ratugolea has dominated trade discussion in recent times, with the Cats making it known they won't deal him away for a cheap price. As many as four clubs could potentially enter a bidding war for the burgeoning interceptor.
Meanwhile, Geelong's list committee will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the contract situation of Geelong Falcons product Darcy Parish, whose deal negotiations with Essendon have reportedly reached a grinding halt. The Cats were linked to the Bombers' ball-winner in April.
This year's trade period is set to officially commence on October 9.