Geelong Cats forward Tom Hawkins says the Cats know they still have plenty of work ahead of them after turning around their fortunes on-field in recent weeks.
The Cats have won their past three matches in a row, with their best win for 2023 to date coming against last year's grand final opponent Sydney on Saturday night.
But a stern challenge awaits the Cats this Sunday when they take on an in-form Essendon in the annual Country Game at the MCG. The Bombers sit fourth on the ladder with four wins to their credit, and challenged Collingwood in the Anzac Day clash, before being overrun late.
"It was pleasing with the way that we've played the last couple of weeks, starting to get a bit more consistency about our game, which is ultimately something that every team is striving to do, but something that we haven't been able to piece together in the first five or six rounds of the year," Hawkins said.
"It was really pleasing, but by no means do we sit and rest on our laurels. From here, there's plenty of hard work still to be done and the competition is as even as it ever has been.
"(We) look forward to the challenge on the weekend playing a side that was terrific (on Tuesday), there's lots of challenges that face our group, but it was pleasing to play more consistently."
Hawkins, who had foot surgery over the off-season, kicked three goals across the opening three weeks of the season, but has hit his straps in line with his team's improving performance, booting 11 over the past three weeks - including five against the Swans - to sit equal seventh on the Coleman Medal leaderboard.
"I've always and still maintain that I feel 100 per cent. It's a combination of the fact that I have had off-season surgery and an interrupted pre-season, but I was still feeling great in my body and my foot in particular leading in to Round 1," he said.
"So I got the opportunity to play, which I was thrilled about, but being a touch older also has its challenges as well. But I'll maintain I've been 100 per cent for the first six rounds of the year, and like I do every year, continue to try to build and have continuity in what I'm trying to do and try to put out there each week, so (I'll) keep looking to improve, just like the team."
Hawkins lauded the efforts of fellow forward Jeremy Cameron, who is in excellent form, leading the Coleman race with 27 goals to his name after the opening six rounds - six clear of Charlie Cameron in second place.
"I think everyone that is wearing a Geelong jumper, but (also) everyone right across the competition has marvelled at what he's done," Hawkins said.
"He's certainly had the capacity - albeit a couple of injuries in his time at Geelong - he's always been a wonderful player, but what he's been able to produce has been able to carry us along the way for the most part of season 2023.
"He's a great player to play with. Quite unique in the way he plays his football, and I suppose more so quite different to me, so that in itself is unique. I love playing with him - why wouldn't you? - he just brings so much energy, (he's) so skilled at our great game, but a terrific person away from football as well."
This year's Country game will celebrate the country in the city, with a Country Festival Live Site in Yarra Park from 11am until the first bounce. The festival will include live acts from the Mik Maks, Luke Biscan and a DJ, as well as a petting zoo, sheep dogs, face painting, flight simulator, food trucks and more.
To acknowledge the impact country football clubs and their communities have on our great game, both Geelong and Essendon are giving away thousands of free tickets to country football clubs.
Representatives from clubs across regional Victoria will participate in the Country Game Guard of Honour as both clubs run through a combined banner.
First bounce is 1.10pm Sunday at the MCG.
