Hawthorn premiership stars Jack Gunston and Luke Breust have committed to extending their illustrious careers, signing one-year deals that will see them continue with the club into the 2025 season.
For Gunston, the new contract sets him up for a remarkable 16th AFL season. Over his career, the 32-year-old forward has achieved three premierships, All-Australian honours, and a Peter Crimmins Medal. This year, he has kicked 28 goals from 16 games, demonstrating his ongoing value to the team while also mentoring the next generation of Hawthorn forwards.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 01: James Sicily and Luke Breust chair Jack Gunston of the Hawks off following his 250th game during the round 12 AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Adelaide Crows at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 01, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Breust, who is also set for his 16th season in 2025, is on the verge of a major milestone. With 298 games under his belt, Breust is just two games shy of becoming the ninth player in Hawthorn’s history to reach 300 games, a feat he could achieve either in this year’s finals series or next season. Breust is already one of only seven Hawks to have kicked more than 500 career goals, and this year he added 20 more from 17 games, despite being used as the sub in 10 of those matches.
Hawthorn’s National Recruiting and List Manager Mark McKenzie praised the pair’s contributions both on and off the field. “Jack and Luke continue to make a significant impact on our young group, and their leadership and experience will be invaluable in 2025,” McKenzie said. “Their influence goes beyond game day, with their knowledge being crucial to the development of our younger players.”
As two of the most celebrated players in Hawthorn’s recent history, Gunston and Breust are set to add a final chapter to their legacy, much to the delight of the Hawthorn faithful.
