Tom Hawkins admits he has been dealt a reality check after learning of the permanent injuries sustained to former Geelong VFL player, Casey Tutungi in a freak on-field accident while playing for South Barwon.
 
Hawkins, who has been battling back pain throughout the season counts himself lucky.
 
"I played VFL with Casey in Geelong and he's now a quadriplegic. I'm just lucky to be out there playing,"

"We as a footy club want to support Casey. He's one of our own and we're going to do that. It's pretty hard-hitting.

"We want to get behind him and do what we can for him.

"It just goes to show there's more than footy and it can be taken from you so quickly. So enjoy what you have.

"We'll talk in the next couple of days and finalise what we're going to do as a football club.

"We've got an opportunity to help him by raising money for care and medical costs. So we're going to help out because we love Case."

Hawkins’ back is an ongoing issue but to this point he has been able to get through games with minimum problems.??

"The back's coming along OK. I'm being managed by the conditioning (staff) and physios and they're doing a great job,'' he said.??

"There's no real quick fix, but it's coming along nicely and by no means am I using it as an excuse. I'm out there every week playing.''
 
Looking ahead to this week against the Dees, Hawkins said Steve Johnson is set to go after a two-game suspension.
 
"He has missed two pretty big games, so obviously he's really disappointed with his outcome and so are we,'' Hawkins said.??

"He was the first person I saw when I walked into the rooms after the game and you could just tell he wanted to be out there.??

"We can't wait to get him back because we know the calibre of Stevie J. So we're looking forward to having him back this weekend.''
 
Hawkins, who kicked a career-high 62 goals in 2012 is on track to equal that achievement in 2013. The spearhead forward has notched up 34 goals so far this season, two ahead of the same time last year.
 
Hawkins currently sits eighth on the Coleman Medal leader board and holds a strong record against Melbourne, playing them a total of seven times in his career for 21 goals.
 
Those wishing to donate to the Casey Tutungi Future Fund can either visit caseytutungi.com or any Bendigo Bank branch.