Kane Cornes believes Tom Hawkins is under some pressure to perform in Saturday’s big clash against Melbourne at the MCG.
The veteran has kicked nine goals from six games in 2024 but has gone goalless in his last three after being well held by the Dogs, Lions and Blues.
While it’s not affecting Geelong’s overall output much as the Cats sit atop the ladder at 7-0, Cornes thinks that it’s now on Hawkins’ shoulders to perform in a big game against a quality outfit after he chose to play on for an 18th season.
“This is left-field, can I put Tom Hawkins in the gun?” Cornes asked on SEN Breakfast.
“I'm going to put Tom Hawkins in the gun because he hasn't kicked one for three weeks.
“When you put your hand up and you say, ‘I'm going again’ and it's the same discussion you have with Rory Sloane, Travis Boak or Dyson Heppell - who's lived up to his end of the bargain - when you put your hand up and say, ‘I want to go again’, you’ve got to perform and it’s on you to perform.
“I don't think he has been doing that and others around him have probably allowed him to escape some scrutiny with where he is at.”
Cornes thinks that the performances of Jeremy Cameron (19 goals), Ollie Henry (15 goals), Tyson Stengle (12 goals) and others is allowing Hawkins’ below-par output to go unnoticed.
He also thinks that his direct opponents are beginning to have an influence on games offensively.
“They've got a huge game,” Cornes said.
“It's all been Jeremy Cameron, Ollie Henry's been good, and the small forwards at the Cats have been great.
“But I don't think Hawkins has lived up to his end of the bargain and not only that, but his opponent is also having a big influence on the games of footy as well.
“So, you're in the gun.”
Hawkins has been named at full-forward for Geelong’s clash against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday. The bounce is set for 7:30pm (AEST).
