He will appear for his home town side in the traditional Good Friday clash against Deniliquin.
It will be played on Friday, April 18 at Finley.
Although the contest is regularly one of the most hotly-contested Murray Football League games of the home and away season, the addition of the recently retired AFL favourite will up the ante.
Finley Football Club president Matt Clarke said the club was excited to be welcoming Hawkins for round three.
“We’re looking forward to the Good Friday game against Deni and having Tom come play,” he said.
“It’s usually a good match between the clubs, irrespective of ladder position.”
It’s a great boost for Finley to have a local lad and legend like Hawkins secured for even one game, but given the right circumstances, Hawkins could appear for the Cats more than once this year.
“Speaking with Tom, he hopes to be able to come and play more games, but that would be subject to his schedule with Fox Footy,” Clarke said.
Hawkins signed with Fox Footy after retiring from Geelong.
Finley and the Rams met twice last year in the home and away season, the first being the Good Friday match at Deniliquin. It was the season opener.
Finley was a run away winner by 40 points.
The second game was far closer, played at Finley.
The Rams only fell short by 10 points, which was a considerable improvement from their first meeting.
Usually a crowd pleaser, the Good Friday game is expected to draw an even larger crowd to Finley Recreation Reserve on April 18 due to Hawkins’ appearance.
Hawkins was in Echuca on Friday, bringing his retirement tour to the Echuca Workers.
News of his addition to Finley could damage Moama’s hopes of breaking through to a Murray League grand final in 2025.
The Cats eliminated the Magpies at the preliminary final stage and, should he elect to play finals a player of Hawkins calibre would make Finley an even more intimidating prospect come this September.
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