At the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Finley flyer dominated throughout and kicked five goals, to go with 17 disposals and seven marks.
Reflecting on his brilliant career that began back in 2007, Hawkins said he would not change a thing.
"I wouldn't change anything, I'm lucky I got to 250 games, it's quite remarkable really," he said.
"It's been a really humbling week, and I spoke to the playing group and just thanked them for their efforts (on Sunday) and in the week for making it a really special week.
"I've been in touch with a lot of really close friends and family, and a lot of ex-teammates that I came into the game as a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old (with) and really respected and learned a lot from."
Cobram's Esava Ratugolea also made his presence felt, with 10 disposals, nine hit-outs and five free kicks for the match.
"Sav's got a really hard role, I always respect players in the game that have to play dual positions," Hawkins said.
"Sav's doing that for us and playing a really important game, he was on fire early in the game and just worked really hard in the ruck."
In other fixtures, Echuca's Sam Reid continued a strong season with 24 disposals and nine marks in GWS' thrilling one-point win against Port Adelaide.
Benalla's Tom Rockliff racked it up for Port with 31 touches, with Katamatite defender Tom Clurey also impressing with 16 touches and seven marks.
Deniliquin's Sam Lloyd continued to hit the scoreboard for the Western Bulldogs, kicking three goals in a 47-point win against Fremantle.
Seymour's David Mundy had a limited day for the Dockers, with 18 disposals, six marks and five tackles.
Moama's Lachie Schultz was back in the Docker line-up and marked the occasion with 11 disposals and a goal.
Tallygaroopna's Steele Sidebottom had 25 disposals in Collingwood's 32-point loss to Richmond, with Euroa's Jamie Elliott held to just five touches and a goal.
North Melbourne duo Jy Simpkin (Mooroopna) and Shaun Atley (Rochester) also had a limited impact, combining for 27 touches in the Kangaroos' 49-point loss to West Coast.
Mooroopna's Clayton Oliver compiled a solid stat line for Melbourne with 26 disposals, eight tackles and a goal, but his Demons slumped to another defeat, this time a 19-point loss to St Kilda.
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