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.
1. Round 19 vs Hawthorn (2012)
A famous moment ingrained into Geelong folklore for eternity.
Tom Hawkins' goal after the siren against Hawthorn was the pinnacle of Hawkins' individual brilliance to that point in his career.
With five goals to his name, Hawkins coolly slotted his sixth after the siren - a 55-metre drop punt to condemn Hawthorn to a ninth-consecutive 'Kennett Curse' loss.
What is forgotten is that Hawkins had kicked the Cats' two goals prior to his match-winner.
In another clutch fourth quarter, Hawkins shouldered the load in the forward line to will Geelong to victory with the last three goals for his side.
