Hawthorn Hawks forward Luke Breust announces retirement, three-time premiership winner

Hawthorn forward Luke Breust has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2025 AFL season.

The 34-year-old has played 306 games for the club and was a key part of their premiership wins in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

The small forward has kicked 552 career goals and is the current vice captain of the club.

Advertisement

READ MORE: 'Enough is enough': Saints coach fires up over list management

READ MORE: 'Sorry': Aussie teen brought to tears in pursuit for NFL dream

READ MORE: Spurs suffer shootout heartbreak to start post-Ange era

He debuted in 2011 after being selected in the 2008 rookie draft by the Hawks.

Luke Breust of the Hawks celebrates kicking a goal during the round 19 AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) via Getty Images

Breust kicked over 50 goals in a season three times across his career and has played a leadership role with a young Hawthorn side over the last few seasons.

"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 general manager of football 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."

Breust weighed up leaving Hawthorn as the club exited its premiership era and began rebuilding, nearly making the move to GWS in 2021.

However, he ultimately decided to stay and provide a veteran presence under new coach Sam Mitchell.

"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," club 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."

Breust is one of only nine Hawthorn players to reach the 300 games mark. He also sits seventh all time on their goal kicking leaderboard.

And it is a star-studded list he sits amongst, given he is behind Jason Dunstall, Leigh Matthews, Peter Hudson, Michael Moncrieff, Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead.

Long-time teammate Jack Gunston sits right behind him in eighth and is likely to play on in 2026.

Click here to read article