The smiles said it all when Tom Hawkins and his three children were back home in Finley over the weekend.
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Tom brought the 2022 AFL Premiership Cup and Premiership medal with him.
The visit provided an opportunity for life-long supporters, budding AFL players and those community members who have passionately ridden every bump, kick and goal throughout Tom’s phenomenal career.
Local hopes that Tom may return to play at Finley Football and Netball Club were reignited when Tom was addressing those gathered at the Apex Sports and Community Centre.
He spoke of his desire to play again for Finley once his career at Geelong Football Club is complete.
The club’s immediate past president Ashley Haynes thanked Tom for always being “”very generous with his time“.
“This visit is another example,” he said.
“Most young sports people dream of playing at elite level, kicking match winning goals and playing in premierships with your mates.
“Tom is a wonderful role model for our youth as he continues to build on his successes.”
Tom and his father ‘Jumping Jack’ Hawkins - himself a well known former Geelong player - met with some fans in the Finley CBD before making their way to the Finley football ground and then Finley Regional Care to meet more.
Tom was exceptionally patient and considerate to those gathered, both young and old, who were excited to meet him and have their photo taken with the Premiership Cup.
Many got to wear the medal for the photos as well.
There were several stories being told throughout the visit, including that of Ian Smethurst and his daughter Jennifer Wilson.
Ian is a keen Geelong supporter and had attended all of Jack’s games for 40 years prior to moving to Finley.
Jen Good made a special trip to take her parents, Barrie and Mae Kerr, to the football grounds to reconnect with Jack and Tom.
Bernie and Mae have, until very recently, lived for the greater part of their lives in Geelong and have just relocated to Finley.
They were excited to have the opportunity to join in the extended victory celebrations with the Cup and have their photo taken with Tom.
Rumour has it that this photo will be sent to many jealous Geelong friends and family supporter members.
“I have fond memories of attending Kardinia Park, as it was back then, with Dad (mostly) and returning home to Mum’s home cooked Cornish pasties,” Jen recalled.
Barrie and Mae still follow Geelong very closely during the season and it was certainly a special day ending the 2022 season.
The family had decorated their home in team coloured balloons, crepe paper streamers, scarves, hats and newspaper posters.
“This must have helped Geelong along – well that’s our claim,” Jen said.
Youngsters Hugo Bott and Jasper Rhodes were the first to arrive at Haynes Butchery on Saturday for an early encounter with Tom, and they were rewarded for their long wait.
Both had their photo taken with Tom and the Cup and got to wear the medal.
The gathering at the Apex Sports and Community Centre gave people the opportunity to question Tom on his activities and future with the Geelong Football Club before lining up and waiting patiently for a photo.
After leaving the football ground, Tom, Jack and the children made their way to Finley Regional Care where the staff, volunteers and residents welcomed them in the activities room.
There was much reminiscing with some of the residents before calling it a day.
Columnist