A contract stand-off between Geelong and Tom Hawkins is finally over after the star forward put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.
Hawkins' future has been a hot talking point in recent weeks, with Melbourne taking advantage of the uncertainty to launch an audacious late bid to snare the 35-year-old.
Former teammate Josh Jenkins said Hawkins had been irritated by protracted negotiations with Geelong, but the Cats confirmed on Friday a one-year deal had been signed.
"I'm truly humbled to be entering my 18th season with the Cats, the team I grew up cheering for," Hawkins said in a statement.
"I was always motivated to continue playing with the Cats.
"Geelong isn't just where I work, it's home. It's the community that's given me so much and I feel privileged to have another chance to give back in 2024."
Hawkins is a five-time All-Australian, three-time premiership winner and a Coleman medallist.
The star spearhead is on track to break the record for most games played at Geelong, with the 347-game veteran requiring nine more matches to break Joel Selwood's mark of 355.
Hawkins is 14th for the most VFL/AFL goals with 781 majors to his name.
Last year, he kicked 49 goals from 20 matches, meaning he has scored at least 46 goals in each of his past 12 seasons.
Hawkins' durability is best summed up by the fact he has played 74 of Geelong's past 76 matches - a rare feat for a player his age.
