Geelong star Tom Hawkins has admitted he was “debilitated” to start the season after bagging a career-best haul of eight goals in a win over Essendon.
Hawkins kicked four goals in the opening quarter, as Geelong raced out to a 38-0 lead which set up a comfortable 20. 12. (132) to 16. 8. (104) winners at the MCG.
The champion Cats goalkicker, who was named the All-Australian skipper last year following a brilliant 67-goal season, struggled during the first month of the season after an injury-interrupted summer.
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Hawkins’ form has mirrored that of his side, with the 34-year-old now having kicked 17 goals in the previous three weeks – all Cats wins – after managing just four goals in the first four weeks of the season where the Cats won just once.
“It’s never pleasing being debilitated, but I was still out there on the field and being able to play my part,” Hawkins told Fox Footy when discussing his slow start to the year.
“I wasn’t feeling too bad, but as you get towards the back end of your career – and I still think I’ve got a lot of football in front of me, but in saying that, I’m 34 and I’m realistic.
“I’m just trying to enjoy as much footy as I can. When you play in such a team environment, if you’re to mope around the environment as an older player, a leader of the club, it sets a poor example.
“I’ve learnt from a lot of good people that have come before me that enjoyed their football, and when I enjoy football I get good results.”
Hawkins was far from the only Geelong star running rampant, with Jeremy Cameron adding three goals, while skipper Patrick Dangerfield was dominant with 28 disposals and 684 metres gained.
Essendon was led by Sam Weideman, who finished with a season-high five goals, while Jake Stringer played his best game of the year, kicking four goals and picking up 26 disposals.
The Cats will aim to make it five wins next week when they host the Crows in Geelong, while Essendon will travel to Adelaide to take on the Power.
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