Breust: It's an exciting time

LUKE Breust says Hawthorn’s grand final defeat in 2012 remains a motivating factor, as the club chases premiership success this season.

The 24-year-old small forward, who made his AFL debut in 2011, played in the Hawks’ 10-point grand final defeat to Sydney Swans the following year.

He’s now played in back-to-back premiership wins, and says it’s an exciting win ahead as the Hawks chase the ultimate team triumph.

“To be in another grand final – it’s obviously an exciting week ahead – (we’re) so fortunate to get back there for another year,” Breust said.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a pretty special week, (I’ll) try to soak it up as much as I can and then just look forward to Saturday.

“It’s obviously a childhood dream to play in an AFL grand final – even just playing an AFL game.

“That first one in 2012 was so surreal, and then to go on to lose that, it’s been pretty motivating over the last couple of years to get back to the top and then to win some.

“It gives us another chance this week to do it again.”

Breust has 52 goals to his name this season – the second successive year he has passed 50 goals – and will have an important role to play on Saturday.

He said the Hawks would enter the match with confidence after two strong wins.

“Adelaide had a great season, and obviously we played the minor premier on Friday night, so to get over both of them and give ourselves another chance at a grand final’s been probably the most pleasing thing, especially after a disappointing loss to West Coast,” Breust said.