Geelong forward Tom Hawkins has revealed why he’s never considered leaving the Cattery.
After being drafted as a father-son selection in the 2006 National Draft, Hawkins has played 325 games for the club, kicking 725 goals.
While he’s in his 16th year at AFL level, Hawkins is showing no signs of slowing down and was named All-Australian captain this season.
Although reports suggest he’s set to earn below-average pay in 2023, Hawkins says he’s not keen on departing the club given how comfortable he is in the hoops.
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“It certainly helps,” Hawkins said in response to whether players take less money to stay at Geelong on Sportsday.
“I’m not across the salary cap and to elaborate on that in terms of what players are on, I obviously hear what’s speculated through the media.
“But talking through my position, I love my environment that I’m in, I love the people that I work with, they’ve got a really good understanding of me, I just feel really comfortable.
“To move clubs is a matter of picking up my family in my situation and moving away.
“It’s probably just something that hasn’t interested me as I’ve spoken to my wife about it over the journey.”
On top of how settled Hawkins is in Geelong, he says the winning culture at the club also keeps him wanting to say put.
“Ultimately winning helps,” Hawkins said.
“We get put in a position each year to be able to compete and it’s a wonderful thing being able to go into your work environment knowing that you’ve got every chance to succeed.
“I’ve had that throughout my whole career, and it’s probably been one of the key reasons why I’ve been able to play for so long.
“We’re completely removed from the ins and outs, let me be clear on that, with what’s going on with our salary cap.
“I just love my environment, that keeps me and my family happy.”
Hawkins and the Cats now gear up for a Preliminary Final clash against Brisbane at the MCG on Friday night.