Three-time premiership star and Geelong games-record holder Tom Hawkins has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
Hawkins is an 11-time club-leading goalkicker and Coleman medal winner in 2020, booting 796 career goals.
The 36-year-old has been sidelined since Round 15 with a foot injury but told fans on Tuesday morning he’s hoping to return in the coming weeks.
“It’s been a hell of a ride, a wonderful journey, and I want to thank you very much for the support you’ve shown and given me throughout my 18 years here at Geelong,” Hawkins said in a video posted for Cats fans.
“It’s been an awesome journey.
“It’s certainly not over yet; (there are) some exciting times to come as we embark on the back half of the season.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you and hopefully being out there soon.”
General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie, who was also a teammate of Hawkins’ for ten years, celebrated Hawkins’ enormous contribution to the Geelong Football Club.
“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.”
X: @krockfootball
