While some players are trying to fill in time during the AFL shutdown caused by the COVID-19 virus, Cats All-Australian full-forward Tom Hawkins has plenty to do every day.

Hawkins, who grew up on a farm in Finley, now has his own property outside Geelong. With no football, he has turned into a full time farmer over recent weeks.

“We run angus cows and we have a bull, so we breed here,” Hawkins revealed on Triple M Rush Hour.

“We have 32 cows at this stage. We had some sheep as well, but they were too much work for a part time farmer. Dad’s a farmer and I was raised on a farm. There is a fair amount of time I speak to Dad about what to do.

“We are lucky to be spending this isolation period where we are. It’s been enjoyable during a bleak period of time over the past few weeks. Spending time with the family is nice as you can get caught up in the negatives. It is very devastating but it’s an opportunity to spend time with the family.”

Despite limited training opportunities, Hawkins has been keeping himself in good physical condition, and believes he would be ready for a return to game action quickly.

“I’ve shed a few kilos so in some ways this may help me drop some muscle mass,” Hawkins said.

“Coming off pre-season and playing a few weeks ago, I’m in good shape. It would take me week to pick up the high speed stuff and the change of direction and the long kicking.

“Within the rules put in place I’ve been able to go for a kick with a teammate so I’ve been able to have a kick but I’m not touching the ball much at the moment. I wouldn’t be far off being able to play straight away.”

Hawkins enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2019, earning All-Australian selection for the second time and leading the Cats goal kicking for the eighth consecutive year.