Announcing his retirement on Tuesday morning, Tom Hawkins is set to hang up the boots after an illustrious and loyal career at Geelong.
The New South Wales-born footballer has had a decorated career spanning 18 seasons, with 796 goals to his name. Hawkins broke the all-time Geelong games record, overtaking long-time teammate Joel Selwood earlier this year, and has the potential to become just the 12th player to kick 800 goals, if he can return from his foot injury suffered in Round 15.
A three-time premiership Cat, Coleman medallist and five-time All-Australian (including once as captain), we've reflected on the long career of Tom Hawkins, and determined his top performances.
9. Round 5 vs Hawthorn (2014)
Hawkins produced an Easter Monday special against the Hawks in 2014, snagging a bag of five in a 19-point victory. It was Hawkins' first encounter with the Hawks since the Kennett Curse was broken in the 2013 preliminary final, and in another tight clash, Hawkins was composed under pressure.
Hawthorn stole an early final quarter lead, but Geelong would reply, with Hawkins nailing two goals back-to-back to put the game beyond doubt.
A key theme in Hawkins' best performances, the big Cat always manages to take control of the game in high-pressure moments to set his side up for victory, often kicking multiple goals consecutively.
