Tom Hawkins celebrates a goal against Sydney in round 18. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

GEELONG spearhead Tom Hawkins has claimed his maiden Coleman Medal.

The Cats forward's two goals against Sydney on Sunday took his tally to 42 for the season and delivered an near-unassailable lead. 

SWANS v CATS Full match coverage and stats

With Fremantle's Matt Taberner (29 goals) a late withdrawal from Sunday's night's clash against the Western Bulldogs, only a Monday night 11-goal miracle from Port Adelaide's Charlie Dixon (31) against Collingwood could usurp Hawkins at the top.

Dixon managed just one major in the Power's win over the Magpies, leaving Hawkins well clear at the top. 

West Coast's two-time winner Josh Kennedy (31) lost any chance of making inroads on Thursday night when he succumbed to a nasty ankle injury against North Melbourne. 

00:46

Enormous Eagles blow as Kennedy forced off

West Coast have suffered a massive injury concern with key forward Josh Kennedy leaving the field with an ankle complaint

Hawkins, 32, is the oldest Coleman medallist since Sydney's Tony Lockett in 1998. 

It caps a stellar season for the Cats big man who is on the verge of claiming a back-to-back Virgin Australia AFL All-Australian blazer and his third overall. 

13:41

Every goal in powerful Hawkins' 2020 season

Geelong forward Tom Hawkins is all but assured the Coleman medal for the first time with 42 goals

He will also finish the season as the No.1 ranked player in the competition for score involvements, on the podium for goal assists and top-10 for contested marks. 

Hawkins, who will turn 33 next July, is edging towards a two-year contract extension with the Cats that would tie him to the club until the end of 2022.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 10:01

    Longmire: 'We had a real crack against a top four side'

    John Longmire says 'there was a lot to like' about his side's brave effort against the Cats, who were playing for a top four spot

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  • 12:19

    Scott: 'I'm not even convinced we're in the best just yet'

    Chris Scott believes his side possess enough 'determination and will' that can give them an opportunity to compete strongly in the finals, even if they get off to a slow start like today

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  • 07:12

    Highlights: Sydney v Geelong

    The Swans and Cats go head to head in round 18

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  • 00:29

    Is this free harsh or correct against Hawkins?

    Tom Hawkins is left frustrated and confused after being penalised for using his knee in a marking contest

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  • 00:46

    Look out everyone, it's Danger time

    Paddy Dangerfield is single-handedly willing the Cats over the line with a stunning start to the final term, including three marks and two goals

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  • 00:27

    Debate rages on after Papley falls over

    Tom Papley appears to be pushed while taking a shot, but on replay looks to slightly overplay the contact

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  • 00:41

    Young Swan more pumped than Paps after this celebration

    Justin McInerney releases some serious emotion after scoring an important goal to open the third term

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  • 00:19

    This Cat absolutely pounces on unsuspecting Swan

    Geelong's Jack Henry does brilliantly to mow down Will Hayward, who had no idea he was coming

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  • 00:34

    Papley simply too dangerous in this scenario

    Tom Papley proves why he is one of the most-hyped small forwards in the business with this textbook crumbing goal

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  • 00:32

    Noise rises as the little master returns with a bang

    Returning champion Gary Ablett electrifies the crowd with a beautiful assist, followed up with a typically brilliant goal on the burst

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  • 00:42

    Swans have two after bursting Blakey comes through

    Nick Blakey crumbs the spillage to perfection and delivers a beautiful shot on the run

    AFL

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