Latest news with #Breust
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Rage' drives 'Punky' as end looms for Hawthorn great
Luke Breust may, or may not, be familiar with the work of iconic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. They certainly share the same sentiment, with the three-time Hawthorn premiership forward determined to "rage, rage against the dying of the light". The 34-year-old, a two-time All-Australian and one of the best small forwards of his generation, announced on Thursday this season will be his last. Former teammate and current Hawks coach Sam Mitchell has no doubt Breust will stay in the game, probably as a coach, but there is unfinished business, with the Hawks seventh on the ladder and yet to confirm a finals berth. "He spoke really nicely and gently (to teammates) ... until we started talking about the rest of the season. He had just that little bit of rage behind his eyes," Mitchell said. "He's still burning to make sure he can achieve as much and help us achieve as much as we can." Known as "Punky", Breust is the game's ultimate cult figure and Mitchell added he was the rarest of beasts - an AFL player with no enemies. Hawks fans sound as though they are booing when they roar his name after he kicks a goal. Breust was in tears several times when he told teammates that his time will soon be up. He later noted half his life has been spent at Hawthorn. "They completely changed my life for the better," Breust said of the Hawks. "The relationships and the memories ... I will cherish forever. "The three minutes after the final siren goes on grand final day, you'll never feel anything like that in your life." Among the many people Breust thanked, he noted how Mitchell took him under his wing when he first came to the club. "I don't know what the hell you saw in me," Breust said. He also singled out Jack Gunston, who shared All-Australian honours with him in 2018. The two forwards are the only veterans on their list to play in Hawthorn premierships. Breust and Gunston played in the 2012-15 grand finals, winning three flags. "(We are) the biggest rivals you could imagine, but also great mates at the same time ... he's been so important to my career," Breust said. The small forward returned to the senior team for last week's win over Collingwood for a career total of 306 games. He is among nine Hawks to reach 300 games, and his 307th this Saturday in the game against Melbourne at the MCG will put him equal with Mitchell at third on the club list. Breust has kicked 552 goals, seventh-highest at Hawthorn, and made the 2014 and 2018 All-Australian teams. But his impact at Hawthorn goes well beyond his significant on-field exploits. "If you could make your culture around the type of club you want to be and the type of person you want to be, Luke Breust is perfect,' Mitchell said. Hailing from the small NSW country town of Temora, Breust proved a bargain-basement selection when the Hawks recruited him with the No.47 pick in the 2008 rookie draft. He did not make his debut until 2011. Mitchell said for all the support Breust received when he was starting, he has paid that forward 10-fold. "I said to the players 'who has he helped?' Every player put his hand up, no hesitation, straight away," he added. Luke Breust may, or may not, be familiar with the work of iconic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. They certainly share the same sentiment, with the three-time Hawthorn premiership forward determined to "rage, rage against the dying of the light". The 34-year-old, a two-time All-Australian and one of the best small forwards of his generation, announced on Thursday this season will be his last. Former teammate and current Hawks coach Sam Mitchell has no doubt Breust will stay in the game, probably as a coach, but there is unfinished business, with the Hawks seventh on the ladder and yet to confirm a finals berth. "He spoke really nicely and gently (to teammates) ... until we started talking about the rest of the season. He had just that little bit of rage behind his eyes," Mitchell said. "He's still burning to make sure he can achieve as much and help us achieve as much as we can." Known as "Punky", Breust is the game's ultimate cult figure and Mitchell added he was the rarest of beasts - an AFL player with no enemies. Hawks fans sound as though they are booing when they roar his name after he kicks a goal. Breust was in tears several times when he told teammates that his time will soon be up. He later noted half his life has been spent at Hawthorn. "They completely changed my life for the better," Breust said of the Hawks. "The relationships and the memories ... I will cherish forever. "The three minutes after the final siren goes on grand final day, you'll never feel anything like that in your life." Among the many people Breust thanked, he noted how Mitchell took him under his wing when he first came to the club. "I don't know what the hell you saw in me," Breust said. He also singled out Jack Gunston, who shared All-Australian honours with him in 2018. The two forwards are the only veterans on their list to play in Hawthorn premierships. Breust and Gunston played in the 2012-15 grand finals, winning three flags. "(We are) the biggest rivals you could imagine, but also great mates at the same time ... he's been so important to my career," Breust said. The small forward returned to the senior team for last week's win over Collingwood for a career total of 306 games. He is among nine Hawks to reach 300 games, and his 307th this Saturday in the game against Melbourne at the MCG will put him equal with Mitchell at third on the club list. Breust has kicked 552 goals, seventh-highest at Hawthorn, and made the 2014 and 2018 All-Australian teams. But his impact at Hawthorn goes well beyond his significant on-field exploits. "If you could make your culture around the type of club you want to be and the type of person you want to be, Luke Breust is perfect,' Mitchell said. Hailing from the small NSW country town of Temora, Breust proved a bargain-basement selection when the Hawks recruited him with the No.47 pick in the 2008 rookie draft. He did not make his debut until 2011. Mitchell said for all the support Breust received when he was starting, he has paid that forward 10-fold. "I said to the players 'who has he helped?' Every player put his hand up, no hesitation, straight away," he added. Luke Breust may, or may not, be familiar with the work of iconic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. They certainly share the same sentiment, with the three-time Hawthorn premiership forward determined to "rage, rage against the dying of the light". The 34-year-old, a two-time All-Australian and one of the best small forwards of his generation, announced on Thursday this season will be his last. Former teammate and current Hawks coach Sam Mitchell has no doubt Breust will stay in the game, probably as a coach, but there is unfinished business, with the Hawks seventh on the ladder and yet to confirm a finals berth. "He spoke really nicely and gently (to teammates) ... until we started talking about the rest of the season. He had just that little bit of rage behind his eyes," Mitchell said. "He's still burning to make sure he can achieve as much and help us achieve as much as we can." Known as "Punky", Breust is the game's ultimate cult figure and Mitchell added he was the rarest of beasts - an AFL player with no enemies. Hawks fans sound as though they are booing when they roar his name after he kicks a goal. Breust was in tears several times when he told teammates that his time will soon be up. He later noted half his life has been spent at Hawthorn. "They completely changed my life for the better," Breust said of the Hawks. "The relationships and the memories ... I will cherish forever. "The three minutes after the final siren goes on grand final day, you'll never feel anything like that in your life." Among the many people Breust thanked, he noted how Mitchell took him under his wing when he first came to the club. "I don't know what the hell you saw in me," Breust said. He also singled out Jack Gunston, who shared All-Australian honours with him in 2018. The two forwards are the only veterans on their list to play in Hawthorn premierships. Breust and Gunston played in the 2012-15 grand finals, winning three flags. "(We are) the biggest rivals you could imagine, but also great mates at the same time ... he's been so important to my career," Breust said. The small forward returned to the senior team for last week's win over Collingwood for a career total of 306 games. He is among nine Hawks to reach 300 games, and his 307th this Saturday in the game against Melbourne at the MCG will put him equal with Mitchell at third on the club list. Breust has kicked 552 goals, seventh-highest at Hawthorn, and made the 2014 and 2018 All-Australian teams. But his impact at Hawthorn goes well beyond his significant on-field exploits. "If you could make your culture around the type of club you want to be and the type of person you want to be, Luke Breust is perfect,' Mitchell said. Hailing from the small NSW country town of Temora, Breust proved a bargain-basement selection when the Hawks recruited him with the No.47 pick in the 2008 rookie draft. He did not make his debut until 2011. Mitchell said for all the support Breust received when he was starting, he has paid that forward 10-fold. "I said to the players 'who has he helped?' Every player put his hand up, no hesitation, straight away," he added.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Rage' drives 'Punky' as end looms for Hawks great
Luke Breust may, or may not, be familiar with the work of iconic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. They certainly share the same sentiment, with the three-time Hawthorn premiership forward determined to "rage, rage against the dying of the light". The 34-year-old, a two-time All-Australian and one of the best small forwards of his generation, announced on Thursday this season will be his last. Former teammate and current Hawks coach Sam Mitchell has no doubt Breust will stay in the game, probably as a coach, but there is unfinished business with the Hawks seventh on the ladder and yet to confirm a finals berth. "He spoke really nicely and gently (to teammates) ... until we started talking about the rest of the season. He had just that little bit of rage behind his eyes," Mitchell said. "He's still burning to make sure he can achieve as much and help us achieve as much as we can." Known as "Punky", Breust is the game's ultimate cult figure and Mitchell added he was the rarest of beasts - an AFL player with no enemies. Hawks fans sound as though they are booing when they roar his name after he kicks a goal. "He's as good a person as I've ever met, and anyone has ever met in footy. I don't think you'll ever meet anyone who says 'I don't know about that Luke Breust' - he's universally loved," Mitchell said. The small forward returned to the senior team for last week's win over Collingwood for a career total of 306 games. He and fellow forward, and good friend, Jack Gunston are the only veterans on their list to play in Hawthorn premierships. Breust and Gunston played in the 2012-15 grand finals, winning three flags. He is among nine Hawks to reach 300 games and his 307th this Saturday in the game against Melbourne at the MCG will put him equal with Mitchell at third on the club list. Breust has kicked 552 goals, seventh-highest at Hawthorn, and he made the 2014 and '18 All-Australian teams. But his impact at Hawthorn goes well beyond his significant on-field exploits. "If you could make your culture around the type of club you want to be and the type of person you want to be, Luke Breust is perfect,' Mitchell said. Hailing from the small NSW country town of Temora, Breust proved a bargain-basement selection when the Hawks recruited him with the No.47 pick in the 2008 rookie draft. He did not make his debut until 2011. Mitchell said for all the support Breust received when he was starting, he has paid that forward 10-fold. "I said to the players 'who has he helped?' Every player put his hand up, no hesitation, straight away," he added. Such is Breust's standing at Hawthorn that despite only playing six senior games so far this season, he remains a co-vice captain. "He's not this big, look-at-me personality, so he probably hasn't been celebrated as much outside of us," Mitchell said. Luke Breust may, or may not, be familiar with the work of iconic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. They certainly share the same sentiment, with the three-time Hawthorn premiership forward determined to "rage, rage against the dying of the light". The 34-year-old, a two-time All-Australian and one of the best small forwards of his generation, announced on Thursday this season will be his last. Former teammate and current Hawks coach Sam Mitchell has no doubt Breust will stay in the game, probably as a coach, but there is unfinished business with the Hawks seventh on the ladder and yet to confirm a finals berth. "He spoke really nicely and gently (to teammates) ... until we started talking about the rest of the season. He had just that little bit of rage behind his eyes," Mitchell said. "He's still burning to make sure he can achieve as much and help us achieve as much as we can." Known as "Punky", Breust is the game's ultimate cult figure and Mitchell added he was the rarest of beasts - an AFL player with no enemies. Hawks fans sound as though they are booing when they roar his name after he kicks a goal. "He's as good a person as I've ever met, and anyone has ever met in footy. I don't think you'll ever meet anyone who says 'I don't know about that Luke Breust' - he's universally loved," Mitchell said. The small forward returned to the senior team for last week's win over Collingwood for a career total of 306 games. He and fellow forward, and good friend, Jack Gunston are the only veterans on their list to play in Hawthorn premierships. Breust and Gunston played in the 2012-15 grand finals, winning three flags. He is among nine Hawks to reach 300 games and his 307th this Saturday in the game against Melbourne at the MCG will put him equal with Mitchell at third on the club list. Breust has kicked 552 goals, seventh-highest at Hawthorn, and he made the 2014 and '18 All-Australian teams. But his impact at Hawthorn goes well beyond his significant on-field exploits. "If you could make your culture around the type of club you want to be and the type of person you want to be, Luke Breust is perfect,' Mitchell said. Hailing from the small NSW country town of Temora, Breust proved a bargain-basement selection when the Hawks recruited him with the No.47 pick in the 2008 rookie draft. He did not make his debut until 2011. Mitchell said for all the support Breust received when he was starting, he has paid that forward 10-fold. "I said to the players 'who has he helped?' Every player put his hand up, no hesitation, straight away," he added. Such is Breust's standing at Hawthorn that despite only playing six senior games so far this season, he remains a co-vice captain. "He's not this big, look-at-me personality, so he probably hasn't been celebrated as much outside of us," Mitchell said. Luke Breust may, or may not, be familiar with the work of iconic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. They certainly share the same sentiment, with the three-time Hawthorn premiership forward determined to "rage, rage against the dying of the light". The 34-year-old, a two-time All-Australian and one of the best small forwards of his generation, announced on Thursday this season will be his last. Former teammate and current Hawks coach Sam Mitchell has no doubt Breust will stay in the game, probably as a coach, but there is unfinished business with the Hawks seventh on the ladder and yet to confirm a finals berth. "He spoke really nicely and gently (to teammates) ... until we started talking about the rest of the season. He had just that little bit of rage behind his eyes," Mitchell said. "He's still burning to make sure he can achieve as much and help us achieve as much as we can." Known as "Punky", Breust is the game's ultimate cult figure and Mitchell added he was the rarest of beasts - an AFL player with no enemies. Hawks fans sound as though they are booing when they roar his name after he kicks a goal. "He's as good a person as I've ever met, and anyone has ever met in footy. I don't think you'll ever meet anyone who says 'I don't know about that Luke Breust' - he's universally loved," Mitchell said. The small forward returned to the senior team for last week's win over Collingwood for a career total of 306 games. He and fellow forward, and good friend, Jack Gunston are the only veterans on their list to play in Hawthorn premierships. Breust and Gunston played in the 2012-15 grand finals, winning three flags. He is among nine Hawks to reach 300 games and his 307th this Saturday in the game against Melbourne at the MCG will put him equal with Mitchell at third on the club list. Breust has kicked 552 goals, seventh-highest at Hawthorn, and he made the 2014 and '18 All-Australian teams. But his impact at Hawthorn goes well beyond his significant on-field exploits. "If you could make your culture around the type of club you want to be and the type of person you want to be, Luke Breust is perfect,' Mitchell said. Hailing from the small NSW country town of Temora, Breust proved a bargain-basement selection when the Hawks recruited him with the No.47 pick in the 2008 rookie draft. He did not make his debut until 2011. Mitchell said for all the support Breust received when he was starting, he has paid that forward 10-fold. "I said to the players 'who has he helped?' Every player put his hand up, no hesitation, straight away," he added. Such is Breust's standing at Hawthorn that despite only playing six senior games so far this season, he remains a co-vice captain. "He's not this big, look-at-me personality, so he probably hasn't been celebrated as much outside of us," Mitchell said.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Hawthorn triple-premiership winner Luke Breust announces retirement
Three-time premiership-winning Hawthorn star Luke Breust has announced his retirement, leaving teammate Jack Gunston and coach Sam Mitchell as the final active links to the club's unforgettable three-peat of grand final wins. Breust, 34, will wear the Hawthorn jumper for the 307th time in Saturday's MCG clash with Melbourne, elevating him to equal third on Hawthorn's all-time games-played list. It's a record he'll share with Mitchell, who was a teammate in three premiership wins and is now his coach, and one he could pass should he maintain his spot as the Hawks push to the finals. Breust is one of only nine Hawks to have played 300 or more games for the club and his 552 goals puts him seventh on Hawthorn's all-time goalkicker list. It brings to an end an epic career that started in the small NSW town of town Temora before he was picked up as an 18-year-old in the 2009 rookie draft. Bruest went on to play in premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015 as part of one of the most dominant teams of the modern era. Breust was also a two-time All-Australian and a five-team leading goalkicker at the Hawks. He also holds the AFL record for most games played by a rookie. '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-plus total career goals, 300-plus games – Punky has done it all,' Hawthorn football boss Rob 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.' Gunston, 33 who returned to the Hawks after a short-lived move to Brisbane, has kicked 53 goals in 2025 and is set to play on into 2026 as the final active player from the premiership three-peat.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
End of an era as Hawk star calls time
Three-time premiership winning Hawthorn star Luke Breust has announced his retirement leaving teammate Jack Gunston, and coach Sam Mitchell, as the final active links to the club's unforgettable threepeat of grand final wins. Breust, 34, will wear the Hawthorn jumper for the 307th time in Saturday's MCG clash with Melbourne, elevating him to equal-third on Hawthorn's all-time games-played list. It's a record he'll share with Mitchell who was a teammate in three premiership wins and is now his coach, and one he could pass should he maintain his spot as the Hawks push to the finals. Breust is one of only nine Hawks to have played 300 or more games for the club and his 552 goals puts him seventh on Hawthorn's all-time goalkicker list. It brings to an end an epic career which started in the small NSW town of town Temora before he was picked up as an 18-year-0old in the 2009 rookie draft He went on to play in premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015 as part of one of the most dominant teams of the modern era. Breust was also a two-time All-Australian and a five team leading goalkicker at the Hawks. He also holds the AFL record for most games played by a rookie. '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,' Hawthorn football boss, Rob McCartney said. 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. Luke Breust in the 2013 grand final. Credit: News Limited '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.' Gunston, 33 who returned to the Hawks after a short-lived move to Brisbane, has kicked 53 goals in 2025 and is set to play on into 2026 as the final active player from the premiership three-peat.
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Much-loved Hawthorn champion Luke Breust calls time on AFL career
Hawthorn champion Luke Breust has announced he is retiring at the end of the season. Breust told teammates of the decision on Thursday. It will bring an end to one of the great AFL careers that began over 15 years ago. Breust was plucked from obscurity in the 2009 rookie draft and has gone on to play 306 games and counting. Quickly cementing his spot in the forward line, Breust instantly became a fan favourite with his class around goal a highlight. Breust was a key member of Hawthorn's three-peat, playing in all three premierships, as well as earning All-Australian honours in 2014 and 2018. He has kicked over 40 goals in eight separate seasons for an overall tally of 552, which is the seventh most in club history. He is also ranked fourth at the club for total games and will draw level with coach Sam Mitchell in third place should he play one more game this year. After managing just five senior games this year, Breust was recalled for last week's win over Collingwood, coming on as a substitute in the big win. '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,' CEO Ash 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.'
