Geelong's games-record holder Tom Hawkins is "optimistic" he can return from injury to play a role in the Cats' premiership push before he ends his illustrious career.

On the same day Richmond superstar Dustin Martin called it quits, the triple premiership player on Tuesday told his Cats teammates he would be bowing out.

The 36-year-old forward, who has been sidelined with a foot injury since round 15, is still hoping to return and have a fairytale farewell by playing in a fourth flag — 15 years after his first.

Hawkins has played 359 games for the Cats, breaking great mate Joel Selwood's games record in Geelong's round-11 game against GWS in May.

In a video posted to social media site X, Hawkins said his career had been a "hell of a ride". 

Hours later, he fronted a packed press conference in front of friends, family and teammates in Geelong. 

"I'm really optimistic that I can come back and have an impact," he said. 

"There's always that little bit of unknown when you're trying to reload your feet as a key position, heavy player. 

"But I'm quietly confident with what's ahead."

Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie, who played with Hawkins for 11 seasons, hailed his former teammate as "a generational player".

"Tom has been an incredible presence both on and off the field at Geelong for the past 18 years, with his ability to play consistently at an elite level, along with humility and care for his teammates, trademarks of his career," Mackie said.

Geelong remains in finals contention, meaning a fourth premiership medallion remains a possibility for the key forward.  

Hawkins won premierships with Geelong in 2009, 2011 and 2022 and has kicked 796 goals, the 13th most in VFL/AFL history.

He is set to finish his career ranked in the top 15 for games played and goals scored at VFL/AFL level.

Hawkins was drafted as a father-son selection in 2006, with his dad Jack playing 182 games for the Cats between 1973 and 1981.

He said "father time catches up with everyone" but admitted he was comfortable with his decision and described a sense of relief about making it.

The 36-year-old won the club's goal kicking record 11 times and was named All Australian on five occasions.  

Hawkins didn't rule out continuing to be involved in football post-retirement, but was looking forward to watching the Cats with wife Emma, and children Arabella, Primrose and Henry.

"I didn't need much convincing to join the Cats," he said.

"It was a pretty easy decision and they've been very good to me ever since."

Chris Scott has been Geelong coach for all but four of Hawkins' seasons in the AFL.

"We will all tell our grandkids, hopefully, one day that we got the chance to either play with, or coach Tom Hawkins," Scott said on Tuesday.

AAP