Retiring champion Tom Hawkins and tough on-baller Tom Atkins have shared the honours on Thursday night, both awarded the Tom Harley Award recognising Geelong’s best club person.
The award is presented to the player who demonstrated outstanding care for his teammates, invests time and interest in all levels of the playing group and who champions the club values whilst working towards the greater good of the Geelong football club.
The award is also voted by the playing group, recognising outstanding service throughout a season.
For Atkins this marks his third consecutive Tom Harley Award, recognised as the Cats best club person in both 2022 and 2023. The tough on-baller joins past Geelong players Tom Harley and Tim McGrath as three-time winners of the award.
Atkins spoke on Thursday night after receiving the award, noting how honoured he is be recognised by his peers.
"I am very grateful again to win this award, it is a great honour to be recognised by your teammates," Atkins said.
"I love this playing group, I love training together and I love getting better together.
"I am so excited for the next couple of years and what we can do, and I am honoured to stand next to this man up here."
Hawkins is now a two-time winner of the Tom Harley award, having previously received the honour in 2021.
Nigel Lappin presented the award on Thursday night, touching on the impact the two players have both on and off the field.
"Tonight we have got joint winners of this award, both of these men absolutely epitomise what it is to be a Geelong player," Lappin said.
"They always put the interest of everyone else in front of their own, they are two very special people.
"They are unbelievable competitors and beautiful human beings."
