Geelong’s triple premiership forward Tom Hawkins may face a significant career setback after suffering an ankle injury during Friday night’s match. The Cats were defeated by the Blues by a substantial 63 points at the MCG, marking their sixth loss in seven weeks. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Hawkins went down while leading for the ball, possibly catching the turf or rolling his ankle.
Hawkins immediately left the field and did not return for the remainder of the game. Post-match, he was seen on crutches, raising concerns about the severity of his injury. Geelong coach Chris Scott revealed that while Hawkins had been managing a toe injury, the current ankle issue was unrelated.
Scott remained cautious when discussing Hawkins’ condition, emphasizing that the medical team had yet to provide an official diagnosis. He stressed the importance of not jumping to conclusions about Hawkins’ future, despite acknowledging the team’s concern. “The experts we have don’t know, so I certainly don’t have anything more to add,” Scott stated, indicating that a more definitive assessment would be forthcoming.
Despite the uncertainty, Scott was quick to dispel rumors that Hawkins might be done for the season. He expressed the team’s cautious optimism and reluctance to make premature statements about the veteran player’s status. “They are not saying he’s done for the year and I certainly don’t want to say anything that alleviates the concern because we are concerned,” Scott said.
Geelong’s current record stands at 8-6 after 15 rounds, highlighting the team’s challenges and the crucial role Hawkins plays. His absence could be a significant blow to their aspirations for the remainder of the season, making his recovery a focal point for the team’s efforts moving forward.
