HEALTHY competition is good competition according to Jack Gunston as he hopes to re-claim his reputation as one of the AFL’s most reliable set-shot goal kickers in the second half of the season.

Gunston has been one of Hawthorn’s most reliable forwards in front of goal since joining the Hawks at the end of 2011, converting at 63.9 per cent in his first year and at 73 per cent in 2013.

His form in front of goal last season earned him the reputation as one of the most reliable set-shot goal kickers but by his own admission, that form has been down this season.

Gunston has converted at 65.2 per cent, with a record of 30.16 in 13 matches. 

Instead, this season the talk of reliable goal kicking has been centered around Gunston’s teammate Luke Breust, whose marveled run of goals has been well documented in the last fortnight.

Breust has kicked 26 goals straight to take his tally to 38.4 for the season and is within striking distance of Sydney champion Tony Lockett’s record of 29 straight.

The form of his teammate has motivated Gunston even further to continue working on his goal-kicking routine and iron out any kinks that might have affected his record.

“I want to work my way back up there, I haven’t been as accurate this year as I was last year,” Gunston told hawthornfc.com.au

“There has been a bit of banter here and there between us but healthy competition is good competition, I guess.”

More than anything though, Gunston is happy to see his teammate converting his opportunities, particularly given Breust’s struggles in front of goal last season.

At times Breust lacked confidence in front of goal and opted to pass to a teammate rather than take on the responsibility to convert.

“It’s good to see him kicking his goals because last year he was getting a bit frustrated with a few of his set shots,” Gunston said of Breust.

“He did a lot of work over the pre-season and it’s great to see he’s one of the most reliable if not the most reliable in the comp at the moment.

“Having kicked only four points, we know when it gets into his hands, more often than not it’s going to be a goal.”

Luke Breust has kicked 38.4 this season.

The duo are part one of the most potent forward lines in the competition, and the group that has scored more than any other team this season.

Hawthorn average 116.7 points per game and have kicked 123 more points than Port Adelaide, who are ranked second in the league for scoring.

Breust, Gunston and Jarryd Roughead are all ranked inside the top 10 for goals scored across all players this year, with Breust and Roughead tied on 38 and Gunston with 30.

With such a dangerous trio occupying the one forward line, each of whom demand the footy, it is imperative there is a good understanding of each other’s game to maximise space inside 50.

Now in his third year at the Hawks, Gunston says the chemistry built between all the forwards, including Cyril Rioli, David Hale and Paul Puopolo has grown, which is why the forward line is functioning so well.

“It’s just years of playing together,” Gunston says of building the chemistry between the forward group.

“This is my third year now playing with the guys up there, while Luke Breust and Jarryd Roughead have played together for four or five.

“It’s hours out on the track, hours during the games to build the chemistry and get to know one another’s game so when it does come to the heat of battle you know which way they’re going to turn, you know their traits and how the other forwards work, which helps you while you’re out there.”

Gunston has also taken on more of a leadership role this season.

With 69 career games under his belt, including important final and grand final experience, he felt it was time to step up.

“We’ve got a bit of a younger group up there now so while I’ve got another 20-odd games under my belt it’s time for me to start speaking up and be a bit of a leader up there,” he said.

“It has been good, we don’t leave it up to ‘Roughy’ who has been here for numerous years now.

“Luke Breust speaks up and everyone else speaks up as well, I think that’s been the only real difference in going from my second year to third.

“We’ve all just taken on more responsibility than last year.”