It was the third time this season that Hawkins was withdrawn or rested for an ongoing back complaint.
Without his presence up forward, the task was made difficult for Geelong as the home side eventually succumbed to their tenacious opponents.
Jordan Roughead rates the big Cat highly.
“He’s one you need to be with all game, otherwise he can rip it open.”
Despite carrying an injury this year, Hawkins has still booted 46 goals in 20 games.
Hawkins will push his case for selection this weekend as Geelong prepares to challenge giant-killers Port Adelaide in a Friday night MCG semi-final.
His inclusion could be instrumental in the Cats’ bid to push deeper into September.
“His brute strength is hard to deal with… he’s hard to move. He’s a fantastic player and he has the potential to break a game open in a couple of minutes.”
