UPDATE: Hawkins has been handed a one-game ban by the tribunal after his hit on Will Schofield during their semi-final win.
Match Review Officer Michael Christian assessed the incident as high contact, intentional conduct and low impact.
It marks his third charge this year after receiving fines for striking Hawks defender James Sicily in round five and Swans forward Jordan Dawson in round 11.
Geelong will almost certainly challenge the decision on Monday night as they do not risk further weeks if they challenge.
EARLIER
Geelong forward Tom Hawkins could find himself on the wrong end of the match review officer for an incident with Will Schofield in Friday night's semi final.
With the match on a knife edge in the third quarter, the West Coast defender was left on the MCG turf after a run-in with Hawkins.
Replays didn't look great for Hawkins, with the big man appearing to collect Schofield in the jaw with a swinging right arm.
MORE: Sam Newman denied entry into Cats-Eagles semi final
Will Tom Hawkins face scrutiny from the MRO for this incident with Will Schofield? pic.twitter.com/mFcZHc5Uid
— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) September 13, 2019
The angle shown on the broadcast was slightly obscured however, meaning if Hawkins did indeed hit Schofield, he will be hoping there is no clearer vision.
Schofield ended up flat on the turf, looking as if he'd been concussed, though he was able to get up and continue playing.
After watching the replay, commentators thought Hawkins might be in a bit of strife.
"He's got a case to answer, there's no question about that," Wayne Carey said.
"I guess the one thing that goes in his favour is Schofield gets up and plays out the game. The fact that he stayed down for a bit doesn't help."
"You're in trouble, you can't throw swinging arms that connect with people's heads, so clearly (match review officer) Michael Christian will be looking at that," Matthew Richardson added.
The AFL's recently introduced review centre allows for real-time assessment of incidents in order to expedite the process, with Christian able to make a ruling on the incident soon after the match has finished.
Geelong fought off a West Coast charge in the second and third quarters - at one stage the visitors kicked seven of eight goals - to kick away in the final term.
The Cats eventually ran out 20-point winners to set up a blockbuster preliminary final against Richmond next Friday night.
Hawkins' participation next week remains up in the air however, with the 31-year-old sure to face a nervous wait.
As for the Eagles, their quest for back-to-back flags is over.
