TOM HAWKINS ON THE MEND FOLLOWING STRESS FRACTURE AFL
Ben Jensen 24 January 2007

By Ben Jensen GEELONG fans' hopes that new Cat Tom Tom Hawkins would prove to be our great white hope in 2007 have been dashed with the news Hawkins has been diagnosed with stress fractures in his right leg. The diagnosis confirmed suspicions of medical staff after Hawkins felt sore following training. AFL GEELONG CATS

Denying claims of mismanagement, Geelong football GM Neil Balme said it was fortunate the injury was identified early. "We’re pleased that this was picked up early by both Tom and the medical team."

Hawkins is not expected to resume normal training for another month or two, and will wear a 'protective boot' until such time. He is still likely to feature in AFL matches this season but the big expectations should now, if not already, be cast aside and put on hold until 2008 / 09.

Meanwhile, official membership numbers are up to 18,620. Geelong is aiming for 32,291 members this season, following last season's record 32,290. This was an increase of 1,469 over 2005's record of 30,821.

OFFICIAL GFC STATEMENT

 

First year Geelong forward Tom Hawkins will be on a modified training program after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right fibula.

“We have picked up the issue early and that has minimized the level of the injury,” Geelong’s general manager of football operations Neil Balme said.

“He felt some soreness and alerted our medical staff, and the scans today showed the stress reaction. We’re pleased that this was picked up early by both Tom and the medical team.

“Tom will wear a protective boot for the next week and his training will be modified to a non weight bearing program.”

Hawkins is expected to be on a modified training program for four to eight weeks.