Why a simple act millions of Australians do every day has landed Geelong star Tom Hawkins in serious trouble with the AFL

Geelong star Tom Hawkins could be issued a huge fine by the AFL after footage emerged of the champion forward looking at a phone during a break in play in the Cats' Easter Monday clash with Hawthorn.

It has since been confirmed the phone belonged to Geelong player development officer Mark Worthington - and that Hawkins was merely looking at weather patterns.

In unusual scenes just as the fourth quarter was about to begin, players were sent back to their changerooms by the umpires when lightning struck near the MCG.

Under strict AFL rules, players are not permitted to access phones during the game and breaks in play due to concerns about gambling and corrupt activity.

Even though Hawkins - who was celebrating his 350th game - wasn't using his own phone, the AFL could still decide he breached of the league's integrity rules.

In 2021, Collingwood were fined $20,000 for a similar incident involving Magpies players Jordan De Goey and Jeremy Howe.

Both stars were communicating with family and friends after they were injured on the field.

At the time, the AFL insisted Collingwood were in breach of Rule 30 - which bans the use and possession of communications devices during a contest.

Speaking after the match, Hawkins attempted to clarify the confusion.

'Our player development manager, I asked him about the radar, I wanted to get a look on what was coming our way — it certainly wasn't my phone,' Hawkins told Channel 7.

On the field, Hawkins booted four goals in Geelong's 36-point win over their arch-rivals.

After missing the finals in 2023, the Cats are unbeaten this season.

They next face the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on April 6 during Gather Round.