GEELONG spearhead Tom Hawkins has claimed his maiden Coleman Medal.
The Cats forward's two goals against Sydney on Sunday took his tally to 42 for the season and delivered an near-unassailable lead.
SWANS v CATS Full match coverage and stats
With Fremantle's Matt Taberner (29 goals) a late withdrawal from Sunday's night's clash against the Western Bulldogs, only a Monday night 11-goal miracle from Port Adelaide's Charlie Dixon (31) against Collingwood could usurp Hawkins at the top.
Dixon managed just one major in the Power's win over the Magpies, leaving Hawkins well clear at the top.
West Coast's two-time winner Josh Kennedy (31) lost any chance of making inroads on Thursday night when he succumbed to a nasty ankle injury against North Melbourne.
Hawkins, 32, is the oldest Coleman medallist since Sydney's Tony Lockett in 1998.
It caps a stellar season for the Cats big man who is on the verge of claiming a back-to-back Virgin Australia AFL All-Australian blazer and his third overall.
He will also finish the season as the No.1 ranked player in the competition for score involvements, on the podium for goal assists and top-10 for contested marks.
Hawkins, who will turn 33 next July, is edging towards a two-year contract extension with the Cats that would tie him to the club until the end of 2022.
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10:01
Longmire: 'We had a real crack against a top four side'
John Longmire says 'there was a lot to like' about his side's brave effort against the Cats, who were playing for a top four spot
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12:19
Scott: 'I'm not even convinced we're in the best just yet'
Chris Scott believes his side possess enough 'determination and will' that can give them an opportunity to compete strongly in the finals, even if they get off to a slow start like today
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07:12
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00:29
Is this free harsh or correct against Hawkins?
Tom Hawkins is left frustrated and confused after being penalised for using his knee in a marking contest
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00:46
Look out everyone, it's Danger time
Paddy Dangerfield is single-handedly willing the Cats over the line with a stunning start to the final term, including three marks and two goals
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00:27
Debate rages on after Papley falls over
Tom Papley appears to be pushed while taking a shot, but on replay looks to slightly overplay the contact
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00:41
Young Swan more pumped than Paps after this celebration
Justin McInerney releases some serious emotion after scoring an important goal to open the third term
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00:19
This Cat absolutely pounces on unsuspecting Swan
Geelong's Jack Henry does brilliantly to mow down Will Hayward, who had no idea he was coming
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00:34
Papley simply too dangerous in this scenario
Tom Papley proves why he is one of the most-hyped small forwards in the business with this textbook crumbing goal
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00:32
Noise rises as the little master returns with a bang
Returning champion Gary Ablett electrifies the crowd with a beautiful assist, followed up with a typically brilliant goal on the burst
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00:42
Swans have two after bursting Blakey comes through
Nick Blakey crumbs the spillage to perfection and delivers a beautiful shot on the run
