Hawthorn have secured veteran forward Luke Breust for another season after the forward inked an extension until 2024. The club announced the news that Breust will likely finish his career at Hawthorn on their website.
Following whispers that the small forward could well explore his options, the news will be a relief to a club that is rebuilding and still in need of the kind of valuable experience that Breust provides.
A triple premiership player for the club, the extension also means that Breust will most likely finish his career at the club that he has enjoyed so much success. At 31 years of age, he is still as sharp as ever around goal.
For the seventh time in his career, Breust kicked more than 40 goals in a season, booting exactly 40 this year. His consistency was phenomenal in 2022, booting 2 or more goals in 12 games, while he went goalless just once.
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He was rewarded for effort by winning the club's leading goalkicker award for the fourth time in the past five seasons. Now having played 260 games for the Hawks, Breust is a big chance to get to 300 games for the club if he stays fit.
The Hawks were understandably pleased to secure Breust's signature. National List and Recruiting Manager Mark McKenzie was glowing in his praise for the veteran.
โLukeโs value to the club is immeasurable. While he is still playing at a high-level on-field, his willingness to educate and mentor our younger players has been equally valuable,โ McKenzie said.
โWeโre very pleased that he has been quick to confirm his commitment to the clubโs future, which we think is a broader reflection of how the playing group feels about the direction we are going.
โAs a three-time premiership player, Luke has already made an immense impact on the club with his own achievements in his own right. But he is just as determined to now help to build towards our next period of success.โ
As the Hawks continue their rebuild, retaining the experience of the likes of Breust will prove crucial. Coach Sam Mitchell has shown he isn't afraid to make the big calls as the club looks to catapult itself back into finals contention in 2023.
