The Cats stormed their way home against an in-form Brisbane Lions outfit, with a seven goal to none third quarter.
Final score, Geelong 11.7 (73) to Brisbane 6.10 (46).
Hawkins starred for the Cats, slotting a match-leading three goals (as well as one behind), collecting 15 disposals (10 kicks, five handballs), taking six marks and laying five tackles.
His performance saw him declared third best on ground for his Cats side on afl.com.au.
“I enjoy playing against the best sides, we as a club like playing against the best sides." Hawkins told Channel 7 post game.
“They’re (Brisbane) flying at the moment and we played some outstanding footy.
“It's nice to play in front of some crowd albeit not many, but they make some noise so it's nice.”
The Thursday night match was not all guns blazing for the Cats, who after a poor first half, had plenty of work to do.
Poor kicking in front of goal by both sides saw the Lions took a slight 1.6 (12) to 1.4 (10) lead at quarter time.
The second quarter woes continued for the Cats who were left scoreless for the first 18 minutes of the quarter.
In this time the Lions took a 22 point lead before Sam Menegola and Hawkins kicked back to back goals to bring back the margin to 4.8 (32) to 3.4 (22) at half time.
Cats head coach Chris Scott had something up his sleeve however, as the Cats pulled together a mammoth third quarter.
The Lions scored their only point of the quarter about five minutes into the second half and from there, the Cats went on a 39 point run.
Geelong's seven goal third quarter featured two maximums from Hawkins.
A spot of brilliance with 12 and a half minutes left in the third saw Hawkins take a difficult mark in front of goal.
Using the quick play-on to his advantage, he quickly turned and slotted it through.
The Cats taking a 10.7 (67) to 4.9 (33) point advantage to the final quarter.
Hawkins spoke about his future in the sport to reporters on Wednesday (July 8) in the lead up to Thursday night’s match.
Hawkins, who has played 262 games and booted 565 goals with the Cats, made it crystal clear there are no plans to retire.
The 31-year-old brushed aside any speculation that this year could be his last, believing he has plenty of games left in the tank.
“What I do want to make crystal clear is that I do believe I’ve still got a lot of football left in me,” Hawkins said.
“I turn 32 at the end of the month, so in football terms I’m getting towards the back-end. But I do still think that I’ve got a lot of football left in me.
“There’s no plans to retire at the end of the year or end of 2021... I’m optimistic of how long I can play.
“As long as I’m still playing my role in the team and I still feel physically good and mentally good I’ll keep playing and putting my hand up to play.
“I'm not retiring at the end of the year.”
Hawkins now turns his attention to the other side of Australia for the next leg of his anti-Victorian match play hub.
“It's been really bizarre but it’s been like that for all players,” Hawkins said to reports about the hub.
“We've internally talked about how we can adjust and cope and do it better than any other sides.
“It's a big challenge but one we’re looking forward to.”
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