Both Cameron Guthrie and Travis Varcoe have the potential of being significant game changers and Hawkins could only say good things about his two teammates, after yesterday’s time on the running track.
“Cam had an excellent year (last season) and still as a young inexperienced player on our list he looks fantastic and strong - you’d think he was a 100 game player,” Hawkins told Cats TV.
“He is going to be important and Trav was on fire today, he came back and was running at top speed which is sometimes not encouraged on our first day back but it’s fantastic to see - so there are some good signs for those boys.”
During Monday’s training session Hawkins took to the other end of the field where he joined young defender Joel Hamling.
He confirms that there are no plans for him to dabble in defence this year like his predecessor James Podsiadly. Although he admits the change in position during training is crucial for further development.
“Joel gave me a bit of a lesson on how to play as a backman, but no I think I’ll be staying down forward, but in saying that it’s good to learn that role from a development point of view - just to experience how defenders feel when you do certain things,” Hawkins explained.
“It’s a good learning experience for any player.”
This year Hawkins will have to step up as Geelong’s leading forward now that James Podsiadly and Paul Chapman no longer stand in Geelong’s frontline.
“I’ve got a little bit more hair than Pods so that makes me feel a little bit younger, but yeah it’s exciting (to be stepping up).”
The 25-year-old admits he’s thrilled with Geelong’s young group of forwards and can’t wait for them to join him in front of goal, including Nathan Vardy, Shane Kersten and George Burbury.
“We have a good core group of forwards and some key position players that are young, developing and showing a lot of good signs and they’re very talented - so there is a lot there to work with,” Hawkins said.
“It’s just about, from the coaches point of view, picking the right formula, whether it be a ruckman or three tall forwards or whatever it is.
“I’m just looking forward to playing and as you said the 12th of February will roll around pretty quick, so it’s very exciting.”
Catch the full interview with Tom Hawkins on Cats TV, just click on the video above.
