When Tom Hawkins kicked his third goal of the 2022 AFL Grand Final with a tick over 16 minutes gone in the second quarter, it was his 67th major of the season and his 732nd goal of an already illustrious career.

It’s a remarkable feat for any footballer and especially impressive for a 34 year old key forward, but Hawkins appears to be aging like a fine wine of late.

Rewarded with his fifth All-Australian blazer in 2022, it’ll come as a surprise to no one that only Gary Ablett Snr has been named in the All-Australian team four times after the age of 30 as Hawkins has.

For Hawkins, unlike most high-scoring key forwards over time - Ablett notoriously gave off just 13 handballs during his record breaking 1993 season -   the amount of goals he has given away to teammates is almost as notable as those he has put through the middle himself.

01:14

Simpson Signs On

Crafty half forward/midfielder Sam Simpson has signed a contract extension for Geelong, take a look at some of his best work in the hoops!

This season gone, Hawkins recorded the fifth highest total of goal assists in a single season for a Geelong player since records were kept. Only Cameron Mooney (36 in 2008), Steve Johnson (31 and 30 in 2011 and 2007 respectively), and Travis Varcoe (29 in 2010) have fed their teammates more in a calendar year.

Geelong General Manager of Football Simon Lloyd called out Hawkins’ selflessness last month when Hawkins committed to a 17th season at the club, signing a one year contract extension in October.

“Hawk has achieved so much in his career over such a long period of time, and it is a tribute to his hard work and dedication that he continues to get better each and every year he plays the game,” Lloyd said.

“More importantly, Tom’s care and selfless nature for his teammates makes us a stronger Club. It’s incredible to think that after 327 games and 732 goals, Tom continues to impact and influence games, and we are proud to have him continue to wear the hoops into next season.”

Only current Cats assistant coach Eddie Betts stands in the way of Hawkins securing the record for the most ever goal assists, although he’ll take some catching. Betts recorded 318 over his 350 game career with Hawkins snapping at his heels with 273 from 327 games.