Geelong star Tom Hawkins will undergo foot surgery this week, and is likely to miss the opening rounds of the 2023 season.
Hawkins, 34, managed the injury late in the season, but it did not prevent him from being a key figure in the Cats’ premiership quest, his opening goals in the grand final against Sydney setting the agenda for what became an 81-point win.
The champion forward consulted several specialists, with rest one option, before he and the club decided surgery was the best option.
Geelong great Tom Hawkins will have foot surgery this week, delaying his start to the 2023 campaign.Credit:Eddie Jim
Cats general manager of football Simon Lloyd said Hawkins was expected to be fit for selection early in the new season, but a full time-line would not be known until surgery and the initial stages of recovery had been completed.
“Our medical team and Tom have gone through an extensive process which has included consultation with specialists to determine the best approach and have come to the decision for Tom to undergo surgery this week,” Lloyd said.
“Tom is incredibly meticulous in his training and preparation, and we know he’ll have the same application to his recovery. We will take the time and diligence required to have him return to playing in early 2023.”
Hawkins, this year’s All-Australian skipper, re-signed with the Cats last week, and still shapes as an influential figure heading into his 17th season. He booted 67 goals last season, remaining the key marking figure alongside the hard-running Jeremy Cameron and Gary Rohan.
Should the Cats make the finals next season, Hawkins will equal Collingwood’s Gordon Coventry and Carlton’s Rod McGregor (14) in second spot for most finals series played. Only Cats great Joel Selwood, Hawthorn’s Michael Tuck and Collingwood’s Dick Lee (15) have played more.
