The Gary Ayres Award is presented to the best players in the final series, with points awarded post match by the coaches of the opposing sides.Hawkins, who scored five goals and took eight marks during the match, was awarded ten votes from both coaches.
But the star-player isn’t ‘‘gunning to win’’ the prestigious award, telling the Southern Riverina News yesterday that his ultimate goal was ‘‘to win the premiership and experience success as a team’’.
‘‘If (winning the Gary Ayres Award) is a byproduct of that success, then that’s all the better,’’ Hawkins said.
The Cats managed a stunning 35 point victory against the Greater Western Sydney Giants last week, 15.13 (103) to 10.8 (68), and remain in the race for a grand final appearance.
It was a turn around for the team, which had previously experienced defeat in their earlier match against Port Adelaide.
‘‘It was pretty disappointing, but we were coming up against a strong side with a lot of confidence,’’ Hawkins said.
‘‘At the end of the day they were the better team’’.
The only thing standing in Geelong’s way is the might of the Melbourne Demons, who were AFL minor premiers.
The teams will go head-to-head in Perth this Friday.
For now, Hawkins and his team are zeroed in on besting Melbourne.
When the Cats and the Demons did battle during the season proper, the Demons won on both occasions.
The April 11 match results were Melbourne 12.13 (85) to Geelong 9.6 (60), and on August 21 the margin tightened to Melbourne 12.9 (81) to Geelong 12.5 (71).
‘‘We’ve started getting players and coaches to review footage from the last match and reminding everyone of their strengths.’’
‘‘It’s a preliminary match and those are the hardest to win; but if we play well, and confidently we might be in there with a chance.’’
In the other preliminary, Port Adelaide Power will face off against the Western Bulldogs in Adelaide on Saturday night.
Expected to line-up for Port is Deniliquin AFL product Todd Marshall.
