Luke Breust's career has come to a devastating end, with the three-time premiership Hawthorn small forward suffering a season-ending ACL and MCL injury in his right knee.
The extent of the injury was confirmed by the club on Sunday afternoon, with Breust suffering the injury in a tackling attempt in the second quarter of Box Hill's preliminary final loss to Footscray.
With the 34-year-old last month announcing this season will be his last, his injury draws the curtain on the career of one of the generation's best small forwards, with the two time All Australian kicking 553 goals from 308 games since his debut in 2009.
"Despite the abrupt and unfortunate ending, Luke should be enormously proud of committing himself completely across his incredible career on and off the field, right up until his final moment," Executive General Manager Football Rob McCartney said.
"Having played his 308th game in the brown and gold just a few weeks ago, Luke's legacy as one of our club's true greats has been etched into the history books, sitting behind only Michael Tuck and Leigh Matthews for most games played at Hawthorn.
"The club will be there to support Luke through every stage of his rehabilitation, just as Luke has been there to support so many others during his time in the brown and gold.
"Importantly, today we wrap our arms around our much loved 'Punky'."
Breust has played eight games in 2025, with his last three being as starting substitute, a role he filled for the Hawks to finish the home and away season before being overlooked for the finals series.
Hawthorn will take on Geelong next Friday night for a spot in the grand final.
