For those that know him well, one of the first words that comes to mind when you think of Tom Hawkins is family. 

The son of 182-game defender “Jumping” Jack Hawkins and the grandson of 1950’s ruckman/defender Fred Le Deux, Hawkins’ career and life is inextricably linked with the blue and white.

Family also means something else to Hawkins now with the forward and his wife, Emma, raising two young girls, Arabella and Primrose, on their farm just outside of Geelong.

But reflecting on his 250^th game this week, Hawkins gave credit to his family for helping him get to the significant milestone.

“It’s really interesting because as a footballer you can become quite selfish,” Hawkins said.

“When you go home you obviously have a responsibility for your partner – I’ve had Emma along the journey for my AFL footballing career – and you become quite selfish in looking after yourself because you have to.

“When kids come around there’s still a part of that, but there’s also a part of the fact that you have to get up at night sometimes and help out; you’ve got to change nappies, you’ve got to drop them off at day care, pick them up, your responsibilities and mindset shifts off you as an individual.

“That’s the shift I’ve found in being a parent. I think also it’s time in the game and as a player, and certainly me, I’m always trying to learn off other players that have played and are playing.”

But for now, the 250-game milestone is something Hawkins is proud of and something he doesn’t take for granted.

“It’s a bit surreal when you’re a current day player and you reach milestones,” Hawkins said.

“There are some big ones in your career. For me, it’s playing your first game, then playing the same amount of games as my Dad.

“I’ve seen a lot of my past and present (teammates) – Joel (Selwood) and Harry (Taylor) play 250 recently. And when I was 21-22, Joel Corey and Matty Scarlett were playing their 250ths.

“I couldn’t imagine I’d be in that position myself. It is very humbling, and I’ve certainly had a lot of luck along the way. I think as a player you need luck.

“But, in saying that, there’s been a lot of hard work that goes into playing 249 games. And I continue to keep working as hard as I can.

“I think it’s something I’ll be able to enjoy personally in 10 years’ time when I’m coming back to the footy and watching the Mighty Cats play.”

After a 2013 back injury that nearly side-tracked his career, Hawkins is cognisant of not looking too far ahead but one thing is for sure, it won’t be over anytime soon if he has his say.

 “Part of my plan to play as consistent footy as I possibly can is not to look too far ahead,” he said.

“I know you’ve always got it in the back of your mind because the end comes quicker than you think as a player when you turn 30. I’m well aware of that.

“But, for the time being, (playing) 300 would be hard to describe for me. For the moment, 250 is really special.”

 “I feel really good physically and I am really enjoying playing with this current group of players.

“Even though I know that will change, I am going to try and play as much footy as I can for the footy club going forward.

“I envisage myself playing many more years. But as I touched on before, you need a lot of luck.

“I will work hard and try and make my own luck, but I’m well aware of the demands of when you get a little bit older, how hard the game becomes.

“I will just take it one year at a time, one milestone at a time.”