Despite needing a fourth knee reconstruction, Menzel has signalled his intention to try and get back out on the park next season.
"It's been something that's been really hard for 'Menz', but he's a great character, a really strong person, and he loves the game of footy," Hawkins said during an appearance at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
"He's going to do everything he can to get back, so we as players are going to support him along the way, whatever it takes."
Menzel ruptured the LARS graft in his left knee while playing in the Cats' VFL team on April 20.
But the 21-year-old, whose last AFL appearance was in the 2011 qualifying final against Hawthorn, took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to declare his intention to try and play again.
"I look forward to as far away as it is, coming back to AFL at some stage in 2014 and I will never give up as it means everything to me!" Menzel tweeted.
"I want to thank everyone for their messages and ongoing support after a mentally challenging week and throughout my next stage of rehab.
"A week after rupturing my left ACL again, I'm working with the club and doctors on finding out and deciding on my best option for surgery."
Another Geelong player currently dealing with a knee problem is Jared Rivers.
The club has confirmed that the former Melbourne defender, who was hurt during the early stages of the Cats' round five win over the Western Bulldogs, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Tuesday.
Rivers will be sidelined for up to two months.
Adam McNicol covers Geelong news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_AdamMcNicol
