Hawkins shines and struggles in AFL clash

Apr 2, 2017 - 9:30 AM Tom Hawkins' four goals - particularly the crucial shot at three-quarter time - mean he deserves a big tick for his part in Geelong's one-point AFL win over North Melbourne.

But the five free kicks he gave away mean his game deserves a thumbs down.

Maybe the star forward deserves both.

Certainly there was no way Cats coach Chris Scott was going to offer a final assessment immediately after Sunday's epic encounter against the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium.

"I always use the luxury I have, which is to take my time to assess it," Scott said.

"I will acknowledge the free kicks against, that's clear, but again without having his best day I thought he was really dangerous and instrumental towards the end.

"I place a reasonable weighting on that."

Scott did not mince his words about some of the free kicks that Hawkins conceded, although he had some sympathy.

"It's always a fine line for key forwards, especially when you're caught a little bit out of position," Scott said.

"It's very frustrating for him because he feels that when they're 50-50 they go against him.

"We have to keep working on giving the umpires better cues in those situations where he's impeded.

"But that can't manifest in undisciplined, sloppy, free kicks."

Still, Hawkins stood up when it mattered.

He took a mark seconds before the three-quarter time siren, with North 31 points ahead.

Hawkins slotted the goal and it was pivotal, particularly given the Kangaroos had kicked the previous two late in the quarter.

Sure enough, Geelong kicked the crucial first goal of the last term.

They kicked five goals to one in the final quarter, with George Horlin-Smith's goal from a free kick with two minutes remaining giving them the lead for the first time in the match.

Source: AAP