Hawkins is not alone
Tom Hawkins says the Cats never rely on one player to do the job
Geelong’s leading goal kicker Tom Hawkins believes their scoreboard results are a collaborative effort despite what this year’s statistics say.
Hawkins, who kicked a season high of five goals against one of their toughest opponents Hawthorn, already sits on 32 goals for the 2014 season, followed by Jimmy Bartel on 14 and Jordan Murdoch on 13.
“I think we’ve been really good and consistent as a forward line group,” Hawkins told News Limited.
“I know that our numbers might say that our team kicks to myself and Jimmy (Bartel) a lot more than anyone else - but we still think as a side that we don’t rely on one player.”
Hawkins ensures the Cats eight wins out of 11 games is a product of the team not of an individual.
“We’ve never relied on one player to kick goals, to defend, to win ruck hit-outs, to get clearances. We’re all there to provide support for each other.”
Hawkins says Josh Walker, who has only played 12 AFL games, was a handy partner to have in front of goals on Friday night. The key forward is confident the more Walker plays the more reliable he’ll become.
“Josh Walker came in on the weekend and I thought he did a good job and if he can get a bit more consistency of playing games I think that could be a good result,” Hawkins said.
With player diversity being one of Geelong’s main objectives, Hawkins is content with the structure of their forward line, as there’s always a Cat that can fill the gap when required.
“The beauty of our side is that we’re really flexible and players can play in different positions,” Hawkins said.
“We’ve had great results this year playing as a lone tall forward and with Hamish and Josh and we’ll continue to work on that.”
Another Cat who is waiting patiently on the wings is young forward from WA Shane Kersten. Having had a disrupted pre-season with injury, Kersten has finally returned to the track and is starting to find his feet in the VFL.
During his second VFL game this season, Kersten gathered 11 touches, five marks and one goal against the league’s top contender Port Melbourne.
Once Kersten recovers his form, Hawkins believes he’ll be promoted to the senior list to make his debut.
“He (Kersten) didn’t kick the goals or take the marks he might have wanted to but he was playing to the structure of the team.” Hawkins explained.
“It was great for him to get two consistent games and the more he plays the better his fitness will get and I can see him coming into the senior side and playing some good footy.
“He hasn’t made his debut, so he’s still got things he needs to work on but he’s coming along nicely.
“If he continues to play good footy he’ll get selected.”