GEELONG key forward Tom Hawkins could think of nothing more satisfying than being part of a premiership as a senior player in the line-up.
The 28-year-old played in a premiership in 2009 and then truly arrived on the big stage in 2011, playing a great finals series and a match-winning second half in the Grand Final.
Leading into that game against Collingwood, Geelong skipper Cameron Ling had reminded Hawkins how important he was to their fortunes.
He then went out as a 23-year-old and kicked three goals in the decider to come of age. His career has not looked back since, as he followed up to win the club's best and fairest in 2012.
On Saturday against Melbourne, he kicked six goals to bring his season tally to 52, the third season of his career in which he has kicked more than 50 goals.
He has kicked 21 goals in 14 finals and played in two Grand Finals.
"I'm 28 now and one of the older players on the list, so I would love nothing more, after being part of [premierships] before, than winning one as a senior player," Hawkins told AFL.com.au.
"There would nothing more satisfying than to get one."
Hawkins said it was impossible to predict what was going to occur in the finals.
"This finals series is just so much of an unknown. We think if we play our best footy we're good enough to win, but the only thing is that there are seven other sides that think that too," Hawkins said.
"It's going to be a fascinating finals series."
Geelong has won just one final since its 2011 flag in six attempts and faces a big challenge against Hawthorn in the qualifying final as it aims for four flags in a row.
"We have got a bit of experience on our playing list going into finals, but also a few who haven't played finals, so that is an exciting challenge," Hawkins said.