HAWTHORN forward Luke Breust has re-signed with the Club.

Breust becomes the third Hawk to re-sign with the Club in recent weeks, following in the footsteps of Captain Luke Hodge and defender, Ben Stratton.

The 22 year old says he’s proud to wear the brown and gold of Hawthorn and to continue his career at the club he loves.

“It’s good to be sticking around at Hawthorn for a couple more years, I’m obviously pretty settled here and I love the Club,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“I’m very proud to wear the jumper.”

The NSW/ACT Rams product has become a cult figure among fans since being dubbed the “super sub” in 2011, his debut season.
Breust began his journey back in 2009 when he was selected as a rookie with pick 47 in the Rookie Draft before spending two years developing his game with the Club’s VFL affiliate, Box Hill.

It was a long journey for the now 22 year old to cement his place in Hawthorn’s best side, something he reflects on as he inks a new deal to continue his playing career with the Hawks.

“It’s been a pretty long journey, I think Clarko (coach Alastair Clarkson) said before my first game it has been a long apprenticeship,” Breust told hawthornfc.com.au

“Early on I was a pretty raw, skinny kid from New South Wales who had to work pretty hard in the gym.

“I hadn’t done a lot of weights before I got drafted so that was probably the main focus – to get a body that could play AFL.”

Breust made his debut at St Kilda at the MCG in Round 8, and despite beginning the game as the side’s substitute, he found himself thrust into the heat of playing football at the elite level.

The Hawks youngster says the much-maligned substitute rule helped his transition to the big time, giving him a taste of the pace and level of play required in the AFL.

“I was the sub for the first few games, it was a good introduction to AFL footy,” Breust reflected.

“I was on within the first couple of minutes in my debut game, unfortunately Stephen Gilham went down (with injury).

“If anything, I think it helped my transition into AFL because I got little snippets of the action and to then cement my spot in the side for the rest of that year was pretty pleasing.”

Such was his impact as the substitute, Breust almost immediately became a favourite among fans, earning his own chant of “BREUST” whenever he gathers the football.

He admits hearing the Hawthorn faithful chant his name whenever he finds the football is “special”.

“It’s pretty special, it gives me a lift during a game,” he said.

Now, he’s a household name and a player who looks set to make his mark on the AFL after an outstanding 2012, where he became one of the Club’s most consistent and reliable performers up forward.

It was a year in which he finished second on the Club’s goal kicking leader board behind Lance Franklin, was recognised by his coaches as one of the Club’s most promising players by winning the Most Promising Award on Peter Crimmins Medal night and, topped off an excellent season with a place finish in the Club’s best and fairest.

“That consistency is the key to anyone’s game,” Breust said.

“Last year it was good to have a consistent year, I thought I built on 2011 last year and hopefully I can do the same again this year.

“I think I’ve started the season okay and if I can continue that form then hopefully the year plays out pretty well.”

But Bruest says the job isn’t done, eyeing a more permanent role in the midfield, with the desire to succeed his motivation.

“I’ve got my body right and to a skills level and endurance level to play at the elite level,” he said.

“It took a long time, it took a lot of hard work but I’m only four pre-seasons down so I can still continue to work on my endurance if I want to continue on into the midfield.

“I love doing it, I love training with my mates and I guess that success is what drives you.”

Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright says Breust is a hard worker who deserved his chance to shine.

“Luke has had an exceptional 2 and a bit years of AFL footy coming off the rookie list,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“Originally from Temora in NSW he has worked hard and deserved his chance.

“He’s very good below his knees, keeps his feet, is unselfish, clean and a good finisher. He’s also very well respected and liked by his teammates and coaches alike.”