Luke Breust’s Remarkable AFL Journey Comes to a Close
After more than a decade of electrifying the AFL with his precision, skill, and leadership, Hawthorn legend Luke Breust has announced that the 2025 season will be his last. The 34-year-old small forward, affectionately known as “Punky,” shared the news with teammates and coaches at Waverley Park, signalling the end of a glittering 15-year career in the brown and gold.
Breust’s story has been one of determination and reward for persistence. Hailing from the small NSW town of Temora, he grew up playing both rugby league and Aussie Rules before focusing on AFL at just 14. Selected by Hawthorn at pick 47 in the 2009 rookie draft—a bargain selection by any standard—he made his debut in 2011 and immediately made an impact, kicking two goals in his first game.
Also Read:What followed was a golden era for both Breust and the Hawks. Within just a couple of years, he found himself on the biggest stage in footy, playing in four consecutive grand finals between 2012 and 2015, winning three premierships alongside other club greats. His ability to both hit the scoreboard himself and set up teammates made him a key part of Hawthorn’s forward structure. Fans made his presence known, famously calling out “Bruuuuest!” every time he slotted a goal—something that could easily be mistaken for booing by the uninitiated.
Breust’s career stats speak volumes: over 306 games, 552 goals, two All-Australian selections (2014 and 2018), five-time Hawthorn leading goalkicker, and the AFL record for most games played by a rookie-listed player. This Saturday, he will draw level with coach and former teammate Sam Mitchell for third place on Hawthorn’s all-time games list. Only a select few have played more, and even fewer have reached the heights he has on the scoreboard—sitting seventh in the club’s history behind names like Jason Dunstall and Leigh Matthews.
Beyond the numbers, Breust’s leadership has been just as influential. Even in seasons where his own game time was reduced, his mentoring of younger forwards ensured his impact stretched well beyond his on-field performances. Hawthorn’s football manager Rob McCartney praised his “consistency at a high level” and called him “an even better human” than he is a player—a high compliment for someone of Breust’s calibre.
Club CEO Ash Klein summed it up by noting that Breust had given the Hawthorn family “countless amazing memories” and would remain admired for his professionalism and loyalty. As he steps away from the game, Luke Breust leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire players and fans alike for years to come. And when he’s in the stands in the future, watching the next generation of Hawks, it’s easy to imagine that same proud smile he’s worn through every milestone of his extraordinary career.
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