Ablett was given a guard of honour by both sides after Saturday’s AFL grand final, ending a stellar 357-game AFL career.
Hawkins told the Southern Riverina News he was disappointed the Cats couldn’t finish his teammate’s career with a premiership win, falling to Richmond by 31 points.
‘‘He (Ablett) has given so much to the game. I watched and admired him and have been fortunate enough to take the field with him,’’ Hawkins said.
‘‘It was sad not to send him out the way we wanted.’’
While the game remained competitive during the first half, Hawkins said poor execution let their premiership hopes go begging.
He said they haven’t had a team reflection, rather individual players have expressed their own shortcomings from the game.
‘‘We briefly spoke about what’s next for us between now and the start of pre-season and how we can build on this season,” Hawkins said.
‘‘It was disappointing to finish the way we did.
‘‘We thought we were controlling the ball in the first half, but coming out in the second half we weren’t as good going forward and not as daring in attack.
‘‘By midway through the final quarter they well and truly had a hold of the game when we failed to execute.’’
When Cat Sam Simpson was stretchered off in the final term after a collision in a marking contest with teammate Sam Menegola, Hawkins said the side had an opportunity to reassess the state of the match.
Hawkins said his teammates reassured themselves they were within striking distance, down 22 points with seven minutes left.
‘‘We had to get on the front foot and play an aggressive game if we were to make a comeback,” he said.
‘‘We didn’t finish our challenges in front and the Tigers were able to counter quickly and blew the lead away.
‘‘They played some great footy and I think the score doesn’t reflect how close the game was.’’
Hawkins will now take a fortnight off to spend time with family before he starts preparation for next season.
He is presently still on the Gold Coast with family and teammates and said he had cancelled early plans to drive south through New South Wales and stop in Finley and Deniliquin.
‘‘This finals trip has been a long one, so my family and I are ready to head back to home base for a bit.
‘‘I’m hoping to visit Finley and Deni later this year when border restrictions ease.’’
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