‘I’m not retiring’: Defiant Tom Hawkins declares there’s ‘a lot of football left in me’ – Fox Sports

A 261-game veteran who turns 32 in a fortnight, Hawkins is one of the most decorated and experienced Cats on the 2020 list. He made the All-Australian team last year and has won the past eight straight club goalkicking awards, booting 46 goals or more in each one of those seasons.
Out of contract at seasons end, Hawkins last week reflected on post-footy life, telling the Herald Sun he thought he was ready to almost tackle a new challenge or adventure.
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But speaking with reporters on Wednesday morning from Geelongs New South Wales hub, Hawkins, whos booted eight goals from five games so far this season, assured Cats fans he had no plans to retire at the end of the year.
Ive done a couple of things where Ive talked about life after football. What I do want to make crystal clear is that I do believe Ive still got a lot of football left me, Hawkins said.
I turn 32 at the end of the month so in football terms Im getting towards the back-end. But I do still think that Ive got a lot of football left in me.
Tom Hawkins Cats face Brisbane on Thursday night. Picture: Graham DenholmSource: Getty Images
Theres no plans to retire at the end of the year (or) 2021, who knows 22 Im optimistic of how long I can play. As long as Im still playing my role in the team and I still feel physically good and mentally good, Ill keep playing and putting my hand up to play.
Im not retiring at the end of the year.
Hawkins has left his wife Emma and two young daughters behind to help Geelong continue its 2020 season campaign.
The durable Cat said it was really hard to say a temporary goodbye to his family in recent days and had even discussed the possibility with club officials of flying them to the Cats hub base.
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Especially with the border closing (on Tuesday), I had discussions with some teammates and some key people at the footy club on what it may look like to get my family around and well keep working through that, but it does appear unlikely, he said. At this stage we know that were going to away for 32, 33 days, so well continue to work on that timeframe.
It was really hard. I know that Ill be okay, I know its going to be challenging being in self-isolation for 14 days and then obviously being away from them, so thats going to be really tough. But for me its more about their health and wellbeing.
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Hawkins Cats take on the in-form Brisbane Lions at the SCG on Thursday night in a clash between two early flag contenders.
Gun defender and fellow 2019 All-Australian Harris Andrews is likely to match up on Hawkins,
Hes a gun, a youngish guy whos really mature. I had the opportunity to play with Harris earlier in the year in the bushfires game, Hawkins said.
Its going to be a huge challenge for me. I always look forward to playing on really good defenders, sometimes it doesnt go your way but I look forward to the challenge.
Hawkins cheekily added: Maybe for once I might have smaller ears than my opponent.

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