Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is one of many who have congratulated Luke Breust on his incredible 300+ game AFL career. Photo: Michael McCormack Facebook.
Temora Aussie rules icon Luke Breust has called time on his incredible 300+ game AFL career.
The small forward has kicked more than 550 goals in his 17-year career with the Hawthorn Hawks, including playing in four straight AFL Grand Finals and winning three in a row from 2013 to 2015.
The two-time All-Australian announced he will hang up the boots at the end of this season, which will include at least two more games after qualifying for the finals.
Selected at pick 47 in the 2009 rookie draft, Breust has long been considered one of the biggest draft steals in AFL history.
Should Breust play any of Hawthorn’s remaining games this season, he will move into third position for most games played for the club at 308. His current tally of 553 goals also has him in the top seven all-time goal kickers for the club, behind the likes of Jason Dunstall, Leigh Mathews, Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead.
Reflecting on his career with the club, Breust said the time spent with the Hawthorn Football Club had shaped who he is today.
“I think it still probably hasn’t sunk in just yet,” he said.
“I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to play at the highest level for so long and do the things I’ve done in the game.
“I’m so grateful to spend 17 years at this great club. There is still a little bit of work to do in the next four to six weeks, but eventually, when I get a chance to sit down, take stock and reminisce, I’m sure I’ll appreciate more of it then.
“I’m 34 and have literally spent half my life at this place. They’re the first ones to take a chance on me, way back when, as a rookie, and completely changed my life for the better.
“I wouldn’t be the person, the father, the husband I am today, without this joint.
“I’ve had such good relationships over a long period of time. It’s why you play footy, and I think the thing that I cherish the most out of it is the relationships that I’ve been able to build over a significant period.”
Breust said he came to the decision to retire around two months ago, following a game for Box Hill (Hawthorn’s VFL and development team).
“I’d broken three of my transverse in my back after the Melbourne (AFL) game, and I had three weeks off,” he said.
“My first two Box Hill games back, and I just couldn’t get going.
“I remember thinking, I’m going to have one final crack at it to try and get going again and get moving and feel like the old me again. And fortunately, the next few Box Hill games, I just continually just got better and better.
“I thought it was going to be a real long grind, but after about four weeks, I said, ‘Okay, now I’m actually starting to feel good again’.
“And it was then about opportunity, and can I get back into the senior team? Fortunately for me, I have been, and over the next few weeks hopefully we can have a real deep push into September.”
