Watching two of his closest mates win premierships proved a catalyst for Cats star Tom Hawkins to work even harder on his game.

Hawkins told CATS TV’s FRIDAY CONVERSATION that seeing Joel Selwood (2007) and Xavier Ellis (2008) with premiership medals was a turning point for him.

“Being good mates with Joel and Xavier and seeing them win - I felt like the odd one out,” Hawkins said.

“It was amazing over those two years that two of my best mates won premierships. When 2009 came around that drove me and made me keen to get stuck in and work on (my game).”

Hawkins went on to play a key role in the Cats flag success, booting two critical goals in the grand final win over St Kilda.

Hawkins also discusses:

  • Returning from a hot spot in his foot
  • His father’s career at Geelong
  • The dream of playing for Geelong from a young age
  • Growing up in Finley and his love of farming
  • Moving to Melbourne as a 15 year old
  • The hype around his entry to AFL footy
  • Missing out on the 2007 flag
  • Playing as a ruckman
  • The 2009 grand final and his key goals
  • His prowess as a golfer
Watch the FRIDAY CONVERSATION now on CATS TV.