Geelong’s AFL games record holder Tom Hawkins to retire at end of season

Geelong games record holder Tom Hawkins will retire at the end of the season, ending a “generational” AFL career.

On the same day that Richmond superstar Dustin Martin called it quits, the three-time premiership player told his Cats team-mates on Tuesday that he would be stepping down.

The 36-year-old, who has been sidelined with a foot injury since round 15, is still hoping to return and play a part in Geelong’s title race.

Hawkins played 359 games for the Cats, breaking his great friend Joel Selwood’s games record in Geelong’s round 11 match against GWS in May.

“Tom has been an incredible presence on and off the field at Geelong over the last 18 years, with his ability to consistently play at an elite level, as well as his humility and care for his teammates, hallmarks of his career,” Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said.

“He is a generational player who will rightly be celebrated for his exploits on the pitch, as well as the role he played in shaping our club into what it is today.

“We thank Tom, his wife Emma and their children Arabella, Primrose and Henry for everything they have given to our club.”

Hawkins won the championship with Geelong in 2009, 2011 and 2022 and kicked 796 goals, the 13th most in VFL/AFL history.

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