Geelong power forward Tom Hawkins has all but committed to being a Cat for life after signing a contract extension that will keep the 26-year-old at the club until at least the end of 2020.

The new five-year deal will take Hawkins, who has played 157 games, won two premierships and kicked 307 goals for the Cats, through to age 31.

A father-son selection alongside former champion Jack Hawkins in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, Hawkins said he was thrilled to maintain his family link to Geelong.

Two of Jack’s brothers and Tom’s grandfather on his mother’s side also played for the club.

“It’s the club I barracked for when I was younger, it’s the club that supported my junior development and it’s a club that my family has a rich history of involvement with,” Hawkins said.

“My family’s connection with the club was one of the major reasons why I have stayed here.”

Hawkins has been the Cats’ top goalkicker for the past three seasons and won the club’s best and fairest award in 2012.