MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tom Hawkins of the Cats celebrates the first goal of the match goal during the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Geelong Cats superstar Tom Hawkins is excited to extend his career to a 17th AFL season.

Earlier this season, Hawkins said he'd "absolutely" be re-signing for next year. Hawkins has kept his word, hinting that he'll soon be talking to Geelong list manager Andrew Mackie about an extension while talking to K rock.

"I think Andrew’s going to be a bit busy in the next few days, so it'll hopefully be some time after that," he said during Geelong's premiership celebrations.

"We’ve been chatting – it's a mere formality.

"But, I do have to get it done because as of the end of September, I think I'd effectively be jobless."

Hawkins has played 95 games in the last four seasons for the Geelong Cats, earning all-australian selection in all four campaigns.

Ageing like fine wine, Hawkins was at his best in the Cat's Grand Final thrashing of the Swans with three majors, and could challenge for 800 career goals if he takes his form into the 2023 season.