With the news confirmed on Friday afternoon that Tom Hawkins will make his return from injury this weekend, we take a look back at the last time the Tomahawk lined up for the VFL Cats.
Winding the clock back 13 years to the middle of the 2011 season, Geelong took on Frankston in a round 14 clash at Kardinia Park.
Hawkins had featured in the AFL team the previous week against Adelaide, collecting 12 disposals as the Cats recorded a big win to solidify their spot at the top of the ladder.
The 2011 season had been an inconsistent one for the big key forward, playing nine of the first 14 weeks in the top side and kicking five goals in that span.
As a result, Hawkins spent time honing his craft in the VFL and lined up against Frankston in the round 14 clash.
The Cats team on the day included some familiar names, such as Cameron Mooney who was halfway through the final season of his AFL career.
Running through the midfield was a young on-baller with two AFL games under his belt named Cameron Guthrie, who was in his first season with Geelong.
Perhaps the most notable name alongside Hawkins that day was Mark Corrigan, now the VFL Cats head coach.
Geelong went on a tear against Frankston recording 38 scoring shots to seven in the first three quarters, opening up a 116-point lead heading into the final break.
Frankston trimmed the margin slightly in the last quarter, but the Cats ultimately cruised to 93-point win with Hawkins booting three goals for the game.
The Tomahawk returned to the AFL side two weeks later, playing six of the last seven regular season games and kicking 15 goals across the stretch.
Performing well across the Cats first two Finals, the defining moment of Hawkins season came on the biggest stage of all when he tore Collingwood apart, as Geelong secured the 2011 Premiership.
In a full circle moment Hawkins will return to the VFL this weekend 13 years on from his last appearance, as the Cats Champion’s career draws to a close.
Tickets are available for Saturday’s Semi Final against Southport at GMHBA Stadium, follow the link here for more information.
