BREAKING: Luke Breust Retires from the AFL
- therookiereporters
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Luke Breust has just announced he will retire from the AFL. We're going to take a look at his greatest sporting achievements and his story, in honour of such a fantastic career.
What is in the Australians’ Trophy Cupboard?
Luke’s awards include: 2x All-Australian team (2014, 2018), 5x Hawthorn leading goalkicker (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), 2x 22 under 22 team (2012, 2013), AFL Rising Star Nominee (2011), 2x Australian International Rules Football Team (2014, 2015) and finally the All Stars Team (2020).
As for team awards, they include: 3x AFL Premiership Player (2013, 2014, 2015), 2x Minor Premiership (2012, 2013) and 3x McCelland Trophy (2012, 2013, 2014), all achieved with Hawthorn.
Breust’s Background
Breust, born on November 11th, 1990, grew up on a farm in Temora. He spent the majority of his childhood working on the farm, doing tasks such as sheep shearing. As a young boy, he developed into a multi-sport athlete. His passion for football flourished alongside his love for rugby, which he tried out for with the North Queensland Cowboys.
Luke remains deeply rooted in his hometown of Temora, having spoken to students at St Anne’s Central School and even trained with the Temora Roos football team. In addition, Breust, along with seven of his friends, bought and renovated the Temora Hotel as a thank you and way to give back to the town that gave him so much and remains strongly a part of his identity.
However, when he was presented with the opportunity with the NSW 18s side along with the Sydney Swans, Luke started to shift his focus to his football side of life. Breust went on to win a premiership alongside the Sydney Swans in 2007.
He didn’t know it then, but he had played with future Hawthorn teammate, Issac Smith, when he was competing for the junior club of Temora Kangaroos. In addition, Bruest played football and basketball in Temora before moving to Wagga Wagga at just 13 years of age. He ended up at Hawthorn, where he played in the 2013 AFL Grand Final.
In the 2009 AFL Rookie Draft in December 2008, Luke was one among many to have been shortlisted and selected into the draft squad. Bruest had a fractured left tibia during the 2008 season; however, after recovering from that injury, he got an invitation for a trial with the Hawks. Breust then went on to be handpicked in that draft as well, after proving his high skills and showcasing a promising future.
Luke’s Career
Bruest made his official debut against St Kilda in Round 8, after a superb performance for the Hawks' affiliated side in the Victorian Football League. In his debut, he kicked 2 goals after stepping foot on the pitch as a substitute. By Round 15, Luke had been nominated for the 2011 AFL Rising Star, talk about an entrance into the AFL world!
In 2012, he predominantly played forward but had exceptional performances in the midfield too. His talent, versatility and execution of play meant he was fourth in the Peter Crimmins Medal.
2013 was a year he surely will never forget, as Luke kicked a goal in the final quarter of the AFL Grand Final against Fremantle Dockers to secure his first AFL Premiership.
During 2014, he carried the momentum from his success, turning it into an impressive feat. Breust managed to equalise with Tony Lockett’s record for most consecutive goals without a behind, standing at an impressive 29 goals that were acquired across just 12 professional games.
In 2017, he kicked his 300th goal in the match against North Melbourne, which they won in a 27-point victory. In the following matches and season, Luke added to this with 73 goals, proving just what an incredible player he is. However, 2019 saw a dip in performance as total goals from him and Jack Gunston fell to just 60, compared to the 105 the season before.
That didn’t stop him, as in 2019 Luke was announced as co-vice captain alongside Dylan Moore for Hawthorn, supporting the newly appointed captain, James Sicily. Breust then went on to achieve 500 goals in Round 12, 2023, against Port Adelaide.
In 2024, he broke the record for games played by a rookie, with 300 matches, and he has currently played a total of 306 matches. That year, he was also given an AFL Life Membership. 2025 so far has seen him reach 550 goals and set to equal Sam Mitchell for the third most capped Hawthorn player (307 at time of writing).
Statistics:
Whole Career
Goals: 552
Behinds: 255
Kicks: 2267
Handballs: 1808
Disposals: 4075
Marks: 959
Tackles: 1057
Contested Possessions: 2011
Brownlow Votes: 28
2025 Season
Games: 6
Goals: 3
Kicks: 25
Handballs: 15
Disposals: 40
Marks: 12
Tackles: 7
Punky has achieved so much in his career as an AFL player. He has even stepped up to mentor younger players, specifically the up-and-coming forwards who shall soon be the ones to fill his boots next year. Hawthorn fans are sure to wish him an emotional farewell at the end of the season, so AFL fans make the most of watching this incredible athlete and witness the Hawks Inclusion Match this Saturday, the 16th of August, 4:15 pm AEST (2:15 AM BST). You can watch on Kayo Sports, 7Plus, Channel 7 and Fox Footy for Australian residents. International viewers can watch using the Watch AFL Global Pass.
Article written by Evelyn Gibson and Alice Seager ©️ Alice Seager 2025
