Sport
22 May, 2025
AFL great Tom Hawkins set to play for Beaufort
AFL legend Tom Hawkins will line up for the Beaufort Football Netball Club (BFNC) in the highly anticipated Round 8 Central Highlands League football clash against Hepburn, on Saturday May 31, 2025.
The club was fortunate to gain the services of Hawkins after successfully entering the Carlton Draft, a program where recently retired football stars provide a boost for country footy by playing a special one-off game for struggling clubs.
"Beaufort is buzzing with excitement at the prospect of having Tom Hawkins join us," said Nick Franc, Club President.
"Having Tom as a part of our team for a day not only raises our club’s profile but also brings a sense of hope and community spirit during these tough times."
The BFNC has faced significant challenges in recent years, winning only three games over the last three seasons. Similarly, the Beaufort community has experienced hardships, grappling with the aftermath of devastating fires and currently enduring a severe drought.
This match represents a pivotal moment for the club as it enters a rebuilding phase, fielding a blend of developing ex-juniors and young new recruits who are eager to make their mark.
BFNC proudly fields eight netball teams and five football teams, serving as a crucial social outlet and promoting physical activity for the wider community. The club's resilience is a testament to its importance in the fabric of Beaufort, providing much-needed support and camaraderie to its members.
Tom Hawkins, a product of the rural town of Finley in the Southern Riverina in NSW, boasts a remarkable career with 359 AFL games, 796 goals, three premierships (2009, 2011, and 2022), a Coleman Medal in 2020, and eleven consecutive years as Geelong's leading goal kicker (2012–2022), along with the Carji Greeves Medal in 2012.
As a local hero, he lined up for his hometown side against Deniliquin on Good Friday this year, drawing a crowd of nearly 5,000 fans, showcasing his enduring popularity.
Currently working as a livestock representative for Nutrien in Geelong, Tom has been actively involved in the local community, recently visiting the Ballarat cattle market. His connection to the region and the farming community makes him a natural fit for the Beaufort team.
With the Geelong Cats scheduled to play against West Coast Eagles in Perth on the following Sunday, a huge crowd is anticipated for the BFNC match against Hepburn.
Football fans are encouraged to come out and support the Beaufort community as two traditional rivals in local football and netball meet with the involvement of a true AFL legend.
Event Details:
Date: May 31, 2025
Location: Beaufort Recreation Reserve
Time: 2:20pm
Tickets: $12 at the gate
Join us for a day of community spirit, exciting football action, and the chance to see AFL star Tom Hawkins in action!
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