Cats leading goal kicker, Tom Hawkins, says he will do everything in his power to be back in form for this week’s Preliminary Final against the Hawks.
Hawkins has kicked the most goals for the Cats this year with 48 accurate strikes, followed by Steven Motlop who currently sits on 42.
Hawkins realises his back, which has debilitated his form all year, has frustrated his fans but he concedes it has been “twice” as exasperating for him.
“As frustrating as it is for the fans, I can tell you it is twice as frustrating for me. So we will keep doing whatever we can,” Hawkins told Geelong Advertiser.
“I can assure everyone that I’m doing everything that can be done to be in the best condition that I can.”
Hawkins was the one to spark the Cats off against Port Adelaide on Friday night, kicking the first goal in the third quarter, which he backed up with another one minutes later. Geelong pushed their way back into the contest with five goals to Port’s one in the third term.
“I have had a lot of support and it’s great to be back out there,” Hawkins said.
“It’s always exciting to kick a goal in the final.”
This Friday night Geelong will head to the MCG to take on the Hawks for another ‘sudden death’ battle. Hawkins believes the Cats hardest contest lies ahead, after watching Hawthorn’s high performance against Sydney last week.
Hawkins, who can’t wait to meet the Hawks, reassures that the Cats will be putting their heads down and working hard this week to ensure they’re at their best for Friday night’s Preliminary clash.
“I thought last week they were as good as I’ve seen them all year, it’s going to be a huge test for us,” Hawkins said.
“I know individually I can’t wait to get out there. Maybe to an extent there is an advantage in having the week off. But you don’t play the week before and you really crave being out there.
“I suppose it is do or die. We are going to do whatever we can this week just to prepare ourselves as best as we possibly can.
“We look forward to tackling them. They’ve been a standout for me all year.”
