Breust calls time

Three-time premiership Hawk Luke Breust has told teammates that season 2025 will be his last, with the 34-year-old veteran announcing his retirement at the end of the year.

The Hawthorn Co-Vice Captain shared his decision with players and coaches at Bunjil Bagora, Waverley Park on Thursday afternoon, signalling the end of a sparkling 15-year career at the highest level.

This Saturday, Breust is set to wear the famous brown and gold stripes for the 307th time, elevating him to equal-third on Hawthorn’s all-time games-played list – a record he’ll share with premiership teammate, and now Senior Coach, Sam Mitchell.

Breust is one of only nine Hawks to have played 300 or more games for the club and sits seventh on Hawthorn’s all-time goalkicker list with 552 majors.

Hailing from small town Temora in regional New South Wales, Breust played both rugby league and footy as a junior, before turning his focus to AFL from the age of 14.

In 2009, Hawthorn selected the then 18-year-old with Pick 47 in the Rookie Draft, before making his AFL debut in 2011. Starting his first game as the sub, Breust would finish the game with two goals.

One year following his AFL debut, the sharpshooting forward played in the first of four consecutive grand finals, for three premierships.

Affectionally known as ‘Punky’ by teammates and the Hawthorn faithful, his elite forward craft, accuracy and selflessness has long been lauded among the football world.

Twice an All Australian (2014, 2018), five-times Hawthorn leading goalkicker (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023) and twice having represented his country in the International Rules Series (2014, 2015), Breust also holds the AFL record for most games played by a rookie.

The many faces of Luke Breust over the years! #Breust300 pic.twitter.com/MZQwf6Lcmg — Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) September 11, 2024

Hawthorn CEO Ash Klein said:

“Having delivered three premierships and countless more amazing memories to the Hawthorn family, ‘Punky’ should be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved across his career,” Klein said.

“Along with his extraordinary talent, Luke has always been such an admired and respected Hawthorn person, with his professionalism, reliability and consistency shining through.

“On behalf of the entire club, I’d like to congratulate Luke, his wife Anthea, and their daughter Freya, for everything they have done for Hawthorn.”

Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said:

“Luke’s accolades and achievements will see him remembered as one of Hawthorn’s genuine greats – three-time premiership player, twice an All Australian five times our leading goalkicker, 550+ total career goals, 300+ games – Punky has done it all,” McCartney said.

“Whether it was hitting the scoreboard individually or bringing teammates into the game, Luke’s ability to contribute consistently at a high level over such a long period of time has been one of his trademark attributes.

“In recent years, his leadership, mentoring and guidance of our younger players has allowed both individuals and the team to improve. His legacy will be seen on game day for many years to come, particularly when you watch the skill and craft of our small forwards. In the future, Luke should sit in the stands and smile knowing he continues to be part of what we do.

“Whilst Luke is an outstanding player, he is an even better human – highly respected by all at our club for his selflessness, loyalty and friendship. We wish Luke, his wife Anthea, and their daughter Freya, the very best in this next chapter – they will always remain an important part of Hawthorn.”

So much love for Luke Breust it's kinda hard to describe. pic.twitter.com/pgji0tlEt1 — Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) August 5, 2023

LUKE BREUST - 306 GAMES* / 552 GOALS*

PLAYING HONOURS

3x Premierships (2013, 2014, 2015)

2x All Australian (2014, 2018)

5x Hawthorn leading goalkicker (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)

2x International Rules Series (2014, 2015)

Rookie AFL Games Record Holder (306* games)

AFL Life Membership (2024)

Hawthorn Life Membership (2017)

Rising Star Nominee (2011)

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