“He’s been through a pretty rough journey,the fact he has played every game this year and is into a ‘granny’ is really exciting. At the same time it’s only the start of his journey.”

Together,the McCartin brothers,and a man Tom labels his mentor in Dane Rampe,are tasked with shutting down arguably the best key forward duo in the competition.

Hawkins and Cameron finished the regular season with 59 goals apiece this season,establishing themselves as a vital cog in a Geelong machine that has won 15 games in a row.

Yet they may have met their match in this Sydney trio. Tom McCartin has held Hawkins to four goals in their past three match-ups,the most recent coming in round two when Paddy McCartin pulled off seven intercept marks. As for Cameron,the veteran sharpshooter has managed just five goals in his past five meetings with Rampe,twice being held goalless.

“Dane Rampe is still my mentor. I was a forward when I first got here but I was always playing on him in match sim and he taught me a few lessons early on,” Tom McCartin said.

“I’m a defender now and he has really taken me under his wing. He’s been awesome as a mate and as a mentor. I’m very lucky to have him.

“I guess no one really knew what to expect at the start of the year but the way it has all panned out is awesome. We’re very grateful.”

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