A special guest on this week’s podcast, To the Final Bell – Esava Ratugolea opened up to hosts Cameron Ling and Mathew Stokes on his relationship with Tom Hawkins.

Long before being taken with the 43rd selection in the 2016 National Draft, while running around for the Murray Bushrangers, Hawkins was already having an influence in the development of Ratugolea.

“Hawk has been great for my development,” Ratugolea said.

“Even before I joined the Cats I looked up to the big Hawk and would always be watching his highlights and watching his body work and things like that.”

Since making his AFL debut in Round 1 of the 2018 season, Ratugolea has gone on to play 28 games.

From soaring marks to spectacular goals, the 21-year-old has produced many moments of brilliance and become an instant fan favourite.

While he largely plays the game on instinct, Ratugolea has benefited from the support Hawkins has provided.

“He has been so good for my footy and anytime I can pick his brains is so good.”

“He has taught me a lot of things about my patterns, my contested marking and he is so important when we are out of the field playing because he is so vocal, and he is constantly teaching me and the other forwards around him.”

“I love playing with Hawkins, it is unreal.”