Tom Hawkins and his Geelong teammates walk off after the R10 match against Fremantle at Optus Stadium on May 20, 2023. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

STAR Geelong forward Tom Hawkins is drawing inspiration from storylines in world sport as the Cats seek to turn around their stuttering premiership defence.

After Saturday's shock home defeat to a Toby Greene-inspired Greater Western Sydney, Geelong finds itself sitting 10th with a 5-6 record following a third straight loss.

DRAFT
Ultimate Guide to the 2023 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft

A stack of injuries have compounded the Cats' misery, but Hawkins said Geelong was remaining calm and believed it could respond in the back half of the season.

"There's obviously a touch of frustration, losing (three) in a row, and we're dealing with that," the 34-year-old said on Tuesday.

"We're certainly not playing the way we want to, but we are putting some things in place to rectify that.

28:42

GETTABLE: Pre-agents to watch, hot Pie interest, where Eagles 'throw millions'

Cal Twomey and Riley Beveridge discuss the pre-agents to watch, preview the upcoming mid-season draft, plus more

"I'm still really positive about the season."

A fan of the NBA, Hawkins admired how Boston had fought back from 3-0 down to level its Eastern Conference Finals series against Miami.

FANTASY LATEST Tips, strategy, draft, podcasts, more

The Celtics ended up losing the deciding Game 7, but Hawkins said sport was littered with examples of teams seemingly having no hope but responding fiercely.

"You're never out of it, that's an athlete's mindset," Hawkins said.

"...I'm still really positive with what we can achieve."

Tom Hawkins celebrates a goal during the round 10 clash between Walyalup and Geelong on May 20, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Basketball was the theme of the day at Geelong as it switched training from GMHBA Stadium to a nearby ground as it tried to handball footballs into hoops.

Captain Patrick Dangerfield took part in a limited capacity and remains a chance to face the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night after missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury.

"I'm not here to bulls*** you, but I don't know (if Dangerfield will play)," Hawkins said.

"I think he's a chance along with a couple of others; Gary (Rohan), Jack Bowes as well, so time will tell over the next few days."

Patrick Dangerfield looks on during Geelong training on May 10, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Despite having a severely interrupted pre-season due to a serious foot injury, Hawkins has booted 30 goals in his 17th season and remains open to playing on in 2024.

"My priority has been clearly knowing my body and trying to get physically as best prepared as I can and then maintaining a certain level throughout the year," Hawkins said.

"That's certainly going to be a conversation for more the back end of the year.

"I need to see how I'm feeling physically and mentally, whether the club's prepared to go forward again with me."