It’s fair to say the phrase ‘hard work pays off’ is one that rings true for Luke Breust.

The dual All Australian and three-time premiership player has built quite the career as one of the most dangerous small forwards in the game.

But as he now prepares to play his 250th match on Sunday against Collingwood, the road to the impressive milestone was not as straightforward as it seems.

Originally from Temora in New South Wales, Breust played in Sydney’s reserves premiership side as an under-16.

He fractured his left tibia during 2008 and was overlooked by the Swans at the 2009 Rookie Draft.

But after recovering from that injury, he received an invitation to trial with the Hawks, with the club going on to select the youngster with Pick 47 in that draft.

The now 31-year-old completed a two-and-a-half-year ‘apprenticeship’ on the Hawks rookie list before earning his debut in 2011.

Speaking ahead of his 250^th game, Breust reflected on how rewarding it was to receive his initial call-up.

“Back in 2009 it was all about just getting a game. I was 70 kilograms, I didn’t have a body that was ready to play AFL footy,” Breust said.

“I knew the game okay, I thought I could read the play pretty well, but I obviously had my weaknesses as well.

“It took me a little while to do my apprenticeship and break into the side, but since then it’s been a pretty good journey.

“The apprenticeship was difficult at times, I was playing decent footy in the VFL, but couldn’t get an opportunity in the seniors.”

Now more than a decade into his AFL career and 460 goals later, the one-club player continues to find himself lining up on the best defenders every week. 

Affectionally known as ‘Punky’ around the club, Breust said establishing consistency across the years has been his biggest strength.

“Consistent output from a long period of time is something that I’ve tried to achieve,” he said.

“I think for the majority of time I’ve been able to do that.”

On the back of all his AFL success, it’s hard to believe that Breust was more of a keen rugby league player growing up.

But once he started making more AFL representative teams than rugby, the decision to pursue the Sherrin began to seem like the better option. 

His AFL debut in 2011 was one to remember, kicking two goals after coming on as a substitute.

A Rising Star nomination came later that year, before landing Hawthorn’s Most Promising Player award in 2012.

The accolades and achievements only continued upwards from there.

In 2013, Breust kicked a goal in the last quarter of the Grand Final against Fremantle to win his first premiership.

Little did he know that he would go on to add another two to make it three in a row from 2013 to 2015.

An All Australian in 2014, Breust began a streak of 29 consecutive goals without scoring a behind, tying with the record set by Tony Lockett in the 1995 season.

Another All Australian blazer followed again four years later in 2018, proving Breust still had it years on from what was regarded as his prime.

He also finished the season as Hawthorn’s leading goalkicker, an accolade he would continue to back up in 2019 and 2021.

In 2020, the three-time premiership star booted the 400th goal of his career, becoming just the ninth Hawk to do so.

Now, the second-oldest Hawk on the list, Breust continues to play a vital role in the new era of Hawthorn.

The momentous occasion come Saturday will be particularly special, with teammate and close friend Liam Shiels also set to celebrate his 250^th milestone.

Come along to celebrate Breust and Shiels’ 250^th milestone on Sunday at 2.10pm against the Pies at the MCG.

To purchase tickets to the game visit ticketmaster.