A RESURGENT Tom Hawkins is keen to test Geelong's premiership credentials against Sydney on Friday night after one of the best games of his career.

Hawkins menacingly returned to top form with six goals and a career-best 27 disposals in Saturday night's 65-point defeat of Carlton, after managing only 11 majors in his past eight matches.

"I suppose the most pleasing thing was I was able to get in the game early and have a bit of an influence," he told reporters.

"Not so much on the scoreboard, but just inside forward 50, distributing the ball and just getting my hands on it and being in the game.

"It wasn't as though I worked harder tonight. I probably got a bit lucky with a few possessions that I got, but I suppose it was just what the game gave me … I've been working hard over the last two months – things haven't probably quite clicked – but I've sort of always remained confident in what I was doing."

Cats coach Chris Scott said the critical commentary about Hawkins' recent form was "a little overblown".

"Tonight was a really dominant performance in a slightly different role to the one Geelong supporters are used to. He was up the ground; he was moving really well," Scott said.

"There have been periods through his career where that hasn't been possible, because of his physical condition – I don't mean fitness, I mean injury.

"It was exciting for us to see him moving around the ground. He's actually a very good ball user, too, so we'd like to kick the ball inside 50 to him, but we also like it when he's kicking the ball inside 50."

The win ensured the Cats would enter the Swans showdown at Simonds Stadium in second spot as they try to cement a top-four spot. Sydney will be on the rebound after losing just its second match in 12 rounds, both to Hawthorn.

"All top sides and good sides want to play the best, and that's been our philosophy for the whole time I've been at the footy club," Hawkins said.

"Joel (Selwood) and myself and Harry (Taylor) have learned that off Matty Scarlett and Corey Enright. We're really eager to test ourselves against Sydney, who are arguably the most in-form team in the comp.

"Our contested footy is getting better and our method of support in the contest has been a lot better, so you need that against Sydney, It's going to be a great clash."