TOM HAWKINS is revelling in his new forward line partnership with Mitch Clark.

The big ‘Hawk’ booted five goals in the Cats’ 19-point NAB Challenge win over Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening, while Clark chipped in with three.

"I was probably in the right spot at the right time a bit this week, but I thought we were working really well as a forward line group," Hawkins told CatsTV after the match.

"We've got some exciting players that go through the forward line.

"We're going to have options, I think, which is the exciting thing. Hopefully all goes to plan and we can all rotate and play a bit of footy together.

"Because there are few guys … new to the club who are looking to make a fresh start to their career, so it's exciting just to have the options."

Skipper Joel Selwood is among the many Geelong players impressed by the way Hawkins and Clark are going about their business.

"They’re working pretty well with each other, especially so early in their relationship, as we’re calling it," Selwood said.