Tom Hawkins has built an incredible career on the back of his reliable left to right shaping set shot kick, with the big Cat taking inspiration from past heroes to develop a dependable routine.   
 
Growing up watching the likes of Gary Ablett Senior and Tony Lockett, Hawkins has followed in the footsteps of numerous AFL icons, making a habit of converting opportunities at important moments.   
 
Currently sitting on 796 career goals, Hawkins needs just four majors to become the 12th player in V/AFL history to kick 800 goals, and just the third Geelong player to reach the milestone.  
 
The consistency of Hawkins action has seen him convert at over 60% efficiency across his career, which is a higher rate than many players above him on the all time goal kicking table.   
 
Hawkins joined the AFL360 panel last night at the Hall of Fame dinner, discussing the inspirations that helped him to develop into Geelong’s spearhead forward.  

“I never necessarily wanted to be Jason Dunstall or Jonathan Brown per say, but I have always taken little bits and pieces from certain players,” Hawkins said.  
 
“I remember looking at Tony Lockett and the way that he controlled the ball so close to his foot, so low to the ground.  
 
“I was very much a leg kicker when I started and sat back on the ball, with a very high ball drop and felt like I was spraying the ball all over the place.  
 
“I studied what Tony Lockett did more than anyone, just with his rhythm, his low ball drop and his control throughout the forward 50. 
 
“I have admired a lot of players from that era, seeing them as a kid and I loved watching them as I was coming through.” 

05:39

Game Film | Round 13

Watch some behind the scenes as Geelong took on Sydney at the SCG for our Round 13 clash.

The Cats head to the MCG on Friday night for an important clash with Carlton, as they look to gather momentum heading into the back half of the season.  
 
Hawkins touched on Geelong’s progress this year, while noting the mindset they are carrying as they return from their bye. 
 
“There are some similarities between us and Carlton, with where we sit this season,” Hawkins said.  
 
“There are plenty of things for us to work on, we are certainly not the finished product at the moment.  
 
“There is lots to work on, but also lots to like with where we are at and what we have in front of us.  
 
“We get the skipper back this week which is going to be exciting, and really important for a crucial midfield matchup.”