Tom Hawkins Net Worth, Salary and Career Earnings
Tom Hawkins is a former AFL star who played as a key forward for the Geelong Cats. He made his debut in 2007 and quickly impressed, with coach Denis Pagan even comparing him to Tony Lockett, the AFL’s all-time leading goal scorer.
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Right from the start, Hawkins showed great talent. He earned an AFL Rising Star nomination and helped Geelong win the VFL premiership in his first season. Over the years, he became one of the best forwards in the game, winning three AFL premierships, a Coleman Medal, and multiple All-Australian selections.
Hawkins played a huge role at Geelong. He won the Carji Greeves Medal as the club’s best and fairest player, led the team’s goal-kicking for eleven seasons, and was honored with the AFL Army Award for his bravery and selflessness.
Tom Hawkins Early Life
Tom Hawkins was born on July 21, 1988, in Finley, New South Wales, into a family deeply connected to Australian rules football. His father, Jack Hawkins, was a former Geelong Cats player, making football a big part of Tom’s life from an early age.
Growing up, Hawkins showed a natural talent for the game. He first attended Finley High School before moving to Melbourne Grammar School, where he honed his skills and developed into a standout player. His size, strength, and football smarts made him a force to be reckoned with, even at a young age.
He started his junior career at the Finley Football Club before being recruited by the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup, where he quickly earned a reputation as one of the most promising young talents in the country.
In 2006, Geelong selected him under the father-son rule in the AFL Draft, securing his place at the club his father had once represented. From there, Hawkins’ journey to becoming one of the AFL’s most dominant forwards truly began.
Tom Hawkins Net Worth
Tom Hawkins has an estimated Net Worth of $13.5 Million as of 2025.In 2023, reports revealed that Tom Hawkins was earning less than $300,000 for the season—well below the AFL average salary of $407,000. Despite being one of Geelong’s greatest players, Hawkins put the team first, showing his commitment to their financial flexibility.
Even with a lower salary, his passion for the game never wavered. In October 2023, he signed a one-year contract extension, securing his place with the Geelong Cats for the 2024 season. His decision reflected both his loyalty to the club and his desire to keep competing at the highest level.
Tom Hawkins Professional Career
Tom Hawkins made his AFL debut for the Geelong Cats in 2007, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. In his very first game, former Carlton coach Denis Pagan compared him to Tony Lockett, the AFL’s all-time leading goal scorer—high praise for a young forward just starting his career. That same year, Hawkins earned an AFL Rising Star nomination and was part of Geelong’s VFL premiership-winning team, setting the stage for what would become a legendary career.
Hawkins became a key part of Geelong’s premiership dynasty, playing crucial roles in the club’s 2009, 2011, and 2022 AFL Grand Final victories. His performance in the 2011 Grand Final was particularly memorable, as he dominated in the second half, kicking three goals and setting up several others to help the Cats secure the flag.
Over the years, he cemented himself as one of the AFL’s most dominant forwards, with his strength, marking ability, and goal-kicking skills making him a nightmare for defenders. He won the Coleman Medal in 2020 as the league’s leading goal scorer and was named in the All-Australian team multiple times.
As Geelong’s go-to forward, Hawkins led the club’s goal-kicking for 11 seasons, proving to be a reliable target inside 50. His ability to perform in big moments and his consistency in front of goal made him one of the Cats’ most valuable players. Despite his individual success, Hawkins always put the team first. He sacrificed personal accolades to ensure team success and even took pay cuts to help Geelong manage their salary cap. His leadership, experience, and selflessness earned him immense respect across the league.
In October 2023, Hawkins signed a one-year contract extension to play in 2024, showing his continued passion for the game and dedication to the Cats. Whether it was kicking match-winning goals, bringing teammates into the game, or setting the standard for professionalism, Hawkins left a lasting legacy as one of Geelong’s greatest-ever players.
