A major positive to come from the Cats 2023 season was the rapid progression of some of their young talent, which was on full display in their final round clash with the Bulldogs.

With seven changes to the team for their round 24 match, Geelong fielded 14 players aged 25 years or younger to give Cats fans an insight into the next generation.

Exciting young prospects Toby Conway and Ted Clohesy both made their debut at AFL level, while players such as Mitch Knevitt and Ollie Dempsey were rewarded for their strong VFL form this season.

Tom Hawkins said that the impressive young talent at Geelong will hold the club in good stead, allowing them to be competitive for years to come.

"I tend to be an overly optimistic person, but I can't see why we can't be really competitive next year and beyond,” Hawkins told 3AW. 

“I'm not going into next year for any individual accolades or to try and catch my old mate Joel for games played, I'm here to win and play in a successful side.

"That is my opinion of where the list is, we have seen some young guys come in and thrive in a new system already. 

"I can't see how or why we would be uncompetitive moving forward, from a list management point of view they prepare us to compete every year. 

"Moving forward next year I can see this list being successful once again." 

Hawkins was once again a strong presence up forward for the Cats in 2023, booting 49 goals from 20 games in his 17th season at Kardinia Park. 

Despite a hamstring injury hampering him for the final month of the season, ‘the Tomahawk’ booted three or more goals on seven occasions this year while continuing his strong partnership with Cameron up forward. 

Hawkins excited Cats fans by announcing he would return in 2024, hoping to push Geelong back into premiership contention in his 18th season at the top level. 

"When you play for so long and you have been reasonably healthy as I have been fortunate to be, anytime you have an experience with injury you tend to question how you will recover and how you will get back,” Hawkins said. 

“I am looking forward to next year, I'm excited to play on in 2024.

"I love the environment and as long as the football club want me here,  then I plan on being here."