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.
7. Round 5 vs Brisbane (2012)
In sopping wet weather, Hawkins defied key forward physics, kicking six goals straight from all angles and possibilities.
Hawkins scored soccer goals, loose ball snaps and dead-eye set shots in an all-round performance of genuine forward craft.
Hawkins nabbed Geelong's first three majors as the Cats darted away to a 20-point quarter-time advantage. By three-quarter-time, Hawkins had five goals and Geelong a 51-point lead.
The Lions kicked a woeful 4.17 for the match, with Hawkins outscoring the entire Brisbane team thanks to his sharpshooting accuracy.
