Geelong Cats remain optimistic that veteran forward Tom Hawkins will return to the field this season despite initial fears that his career might be over following an injury to his left foot. Hawkins sustained the injury while pushing off for a lead during Geelong’s 63-point loss to Carlton on Friday night.
The Cats released an update on the 35-year-old on Tuesday, stating that Hawkins had “sustained an atypical mid-foot joint and ligament injury to his left foot.” Despite the severity of the injury, the club indicated that Hawkins is aiming for a return to play in 6-8 weeks.
This setback comes after Hawkins underwent surgery on his left foot at the end of 2022. However, the club clarified that the current injury is in a different part of the foot. Hawkins, who was seen limping into the club on Monday morning, remains optimistic about his recovery.
“(It’s) a bit disappointing, but I am still pretty optimistic,” Hawkins said. “I’m always pretty optimistic about life in general. Once I find out the information, I will put together a little bit of a plan. I can respect that there is interest with age and current form, but it (whether it’s the end of his season or career) is far from my mind at the moment.”
Geelong football manager Andrew Mackie provided further updates, stating that Hawkins had already commenced “his off-foot training” and will remain in a boot for the next couple of weeks before progressing based on clinical signs.
“Tom is in a positive and optimistic mindset, and we are confident he will give himself the best chance to have an impact later in the season,” Mackie said.
Geelong’s season has been challenging, with six losses from their past seven matches dropping the Cats to seventh place with an 8-6 record. The upcoming clash with Essendon on Saturday night is seen as a crucial juncture for the team.
Captain Patrick Dangerfield, when asked about the team’s prospects, initially responded sarcastically, “I think it’s time to quit. There’s only nine games left, I don’t think there’s any point.” However, he later provided a more detailed perspective on the team’s situation.
“The list is always in a transition phase, I think that’s regardless of whatever position you’re in – whether you’re in 17th or you’re in first,” Dangerfield explained. “We’ll always pick the best team, but at times it does provide opportunity to blood some younger players. We still feel we’re absolutely in the hunt this season. There’s a few little tweaks we need to make in order to improve, that’s clear, but by no means is it insurmountable.”
Dangerfield will miss the match against Essendon unless he successfully overturns his one-match ban for a dangerous tackle at the AFL tribunal.
As the Cats navigate these challenges, the potential return of Tom Hawkins later in the season remains a beacon of hope for the team and its supporters.