HAWTHORN might have achieved its eleventh premiership in 2013 but the hunger to win number 12 is already alive and well within the coaches and playing group, Luke Breust says.
After tasting premiership success for the first time last year, when the Hawks defeated Fremantle in the decider, Breust admits the feeling is addictive.
Following the disappointment of the 2012 loss to Sydney, there is little wonder why Breust and his teammates hope to hold onto that feeling and experience it again.
Pre-season began for the Hawks just two months after the premiership win and while he admits it was tough at first to turn attention to next season, his eyes are now firmly set on reloading for 2014.
“It was the best feeling I’ve had on the footy field, so I’d love to experience it again,” he told hawthornfc.com.au
“We’re still hungry. You just need to look at the way we’re training and our running, it’s exceptional at the moment so I think the hunger in the group is certainly there.”
Breust had another outstanding season in 2013, booting 40 goals in 25 games while spending more time in the midfield.
But at just 23 years of age, the small forward is determined to taste success again and hopes too, to achieve a premiership with close mates who missed out in 2013.
Knee victims Matt Suckling and Ryan Schoenmakers, close friends of Breust are two who watched on from the sidelines as their teammates achieved premiership glory.
He says the contrast in emotions from 2012 and 2013 is enough to inspire the group.
“It’s tough but at the same time I’m still young so the motivation is still there,” he said.
“I’ve got mates that missed out last year and the feeling from 2012 to 2013 is the complete opposite and I want to feel that 2013 feeling again in 2014.
“The way we’re training at the moment and where the list is positioned, I think we can certainly do that.”
The players have already completed an intense training camp in South Africa to prepare for season 2014 but Breust says that trip held more than just physical benefits.
He says being away with his teammates gave them all the opportunity to gain a better understanding of one another.
“South Africa was very tough but at the same time it was a great trip,” he said.
“There was plenty of travel time on buses for a couple of hours where you spend a fair bit of time with the boys.
“It’s really good for the young boys as well because being part of a trip like that, you spend a fair bit of time with each other so get to know them pretty quickly and get them part of the group.”
The camp helped build a solid fitness base for the players ahead of the Christmas break and to prepare them as training heats up ahead of the NAB Challenge in February.
“We’re in a great spot, very similar to last year,” Breust said.
“It has come around very quickly but I think we’re prepared for it and now just looking forward to getting into games.”