It’s shaping up as a big year for Geelong star Tom Hawkins. The power forward kicked the 500th goal of his career in round one – the same week he welcomed his second child. Here, he tells Kids reporter Melissa Grant about being a parent of two little girls, his wife’s tough pregnancy and getting kids involved in footy.
Congratulations on the recent arrival of your second daughter, Primrose Grace. How is your new addition going?
Thank-you! It’s a significantly busier household. Emma and I very much enjoying being parents of two beautiful little girls.
Primrose arrived just before the first game of the season – that must have been a crazy time. Would you have missed the match to be at the birth?
It was a crazy few months. Unfortunately Emma had a really tough pregnancy. I certainly think completing a pre-season would have been easier than carrying a baby. If Emma went into labour on game day I would definitely have missed and been at the birth. However our obstetrician was a Geelong supporter and didn’t want me to miss a game so he induced Emma.
Emma and yourself have been pretty open about parenthood on social media. To share or not to share is a question many parents grapple with. Has it been a positive experience for you so far?
So far it has been positive. Being parents has been the best thing we’ve done, however it is bloody hard work at times. Social media gives you a platform to create conversations about different parenting techniques if you do choose.
Your father, uncles and grandfather all played for the Geelong Football Club. Footy is obviously in the blood. Has your two-year-old daughter Arabella shown any interest in footy yet?
I’m happy to say Belle (Arabella) and Mimi (Primrose) are Geelong supporters. We’ve made an effort not to push football, however Belle is showing a keen interest. She’s just starting to understand that dad plays for the Cats. She gets a little crazy. It’s giving our families a lot of joy to watch!
What’s the best way children can get involved in the game at grassroots level and why is it important for kids to be involved in grassroots sports at such a young age?
I played Auskick. And I still believe it’s the best place to start. Kids get so much out of learning and playing our great game. It’s good for their health, social skills, discipline and above all it’s fun.
What are the benefits of the Auskick program?
That Auskick is an affordable and available program for kids who are starting out their footy journey. And with the revolutionised Auskick program, it takes a modern approach to coaching and ensures kids experience fun, active play that just happens to be footy.
What do you love most about Auskick?
I just loved playing with my friends. And I loved the challenge of trying to be the best at kicking, handballing, bouncing and marking. I was (and still am) very competitive.
What would be your advice to a child who has their heart set on playing AFL or AFLW?
Enjoy it. And if you have your heart set on playing like I did, work hard to be the best player you can be.
