Geelong will be looking to ensure Tom Hawkins doesn’t hit free agency any time soon by signing the star full forward to a multi-year deal in the coming weeks.
The Cats will be hoping to replicate Adelaide’s new deal with goal-kicking big man Taylor Walker from Tuesday, who reportedly agreed to a three-year deal worth $700,000 a season, by offering Hawkins a long-term contract this summer before he hits free agency at the end of the 2015 season.
Both Walker and Western Bulldogs recruit Tom Boyd, making $1 million a year as a second-year player, were expected to draw huge interest on the free market, however Hawkins could attract an even more lucrative deal after a stellar 2014 campaign.
Hawkins successfully overcame back injury issues from the year before to boot 68 goals last season for the third placed (17-5) Cats, averaging 2.8 goals and 6.7 marks in 24 contests.
AFL.com.au reports Geelong and Hawkins are already discussing a new deal, but are not yet involved in advanced discussions. News Ltd claim the Cats are hoping to ink the forward to a smaller deal, around the $600,000 to $700,000 range, in hopes of also nabbing 2015 free agent Patrick Dangerfield from Adelaide.
GWS Giant Jeremy Cameron is expected to top the list of most wanted forwards should Hawkins not make it to next year’s free agency, followed by the likes of Jake Carlisle, Lachie Henderson and Jeremy Howe.
Hawkins signed a three-year deal with the Cats in June 2012 after playing a crucial role in the 2011 Grand Final, saying at the time, “I love playing for Geelong and I love playing alongside my teammates, so it was a no-brainer. It’s exciting times.”
Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.
