Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins is ready to break a run of quiet AFL finals when the Cats take on Melbourne in their elimination final at the MCG.
Hawkins has managed just six goals in his past five finals appearances but was able to hit the scoreboard late in the home-and-away season.
The 30-year-old will enter the finals with a full head of steam after booting two bags of seven goals - one of which was against the Demons - and another of six majors in the last six games of the season.
"I would say my confidence in what I can do out on the ground is probably a little bit higher than it has been the last couple of years," Hawkins told reporters on Wednesday.
"I'd say it's probably been my most consistent season from the start to now.
"But that counts for nothing if you go out and play poorly on Friday night.
"... In the past I probably haven't been that good (in finals) but I keep going back to the fact that there is a new challenge for me and for our team."
While Hawkins is confident in what he and the Geelong forward line are capable of producing, he doesn't want to get involved in a shootout with the Demons, who possess the most potent attack in the league.
"We pride ourselves on the fact that we have achieved the No.1-ranked defence through the home-and-away season," he said.
"That's something that we'll be really driving hard because Melbourne are a great side when they're involved in a shootout.
"They can kick big scores, they're exciting, they move the ball well and quickly.
"It's a real weapon for them when they're up and playing well."
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