Geelong Cats legend Tom Hawkins announces his retirement from the AFL

GEELONG legend Tom Hawkins has announced his retirement from the AFL at the end of the 2024 season, with the Cats legend poised to end his career ranked in the top 15 for games played and goals scored at VFL/AFL level.

Hawkins has not played since round 15 with a foot injury and confirmed on Tuesday that his 18-season career will end at the conclusion of the Cats’ 2024 campaign.

The 36-year-old retires as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, finishing with 359 career games (15th most all-time) and 796 goals (13th most all-time).

A three-time premiership player and 2020 Coleman Medal winner, he earned All-Australian selection five times, including being named captain in 2022.

He holds the club record for most games played and is second only to Gary Ablett Snr for most goals at Geelong, while winning the club’s best and fairest in 2012 and leading the Cats for goal kicks in 11 occasions.

It follows