AFL 2022: Hawthorn forward Luke Breust extends contract that will see him finish his career a Hawk despite rival interest

The Hawks plan to get younger under coach Sam Mitchell but a key signing shows he doesn’t want all his veterans gone.

Hawthorn has offered an insight into Sam Mitchell’s rebuilding vision, with veteran forward Luke Breust signing a one-year contract extension until the end of 2024.

The Hawks and list boss Mark McKenzie are unashamedly retooling their playing group under Mitchell after a promising eight-win season in his first year in charge.

Premiership players Ben McEvoy and Liam Shiels have retired, while 30-year-old key defender and former Crow Kyle Hartigan and ex-Magpie Tom Phillips were delisted after serving their short-term purpose.

Dan Howe, Next Generation Academy graduate Connor Downie and mid-season draftee Jackson Callow are also gone, while winger Karl Amon will join the club as an unrestricted free agent from Port Adelaide.

News Corp revealed a fortnight ago that wantaway Giant Tanner Bruhn was also a player of some interest, with Mitchell illustrating this season his want to blood more youth in the midfield.

Captain Ben McEvoy farewelled the AFL this year but Luke Breust (left) has extended his contract as Jack Gunston prepares to make his call. Picture: Getty Images

Contracted Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell looks headed elsewhere in the trade period, which starts in October, after seeing his midfield minutes dip.

Greater Western Sydney chased Breust’s signature in last year’s trade period after Chad Wingard rejected their overtures, but the 481-goal small forward opted to stay at Waverley Park.

He will turn 32 in November but isn’t slowing down, as evidenced by his 40 goals this season, and is a high character person who will mentor the next wave of Hawthorn stars.

Breust was already contracted for the 2023 campaign but is now locked in for an extra year, which may or may not see him out.

“Luke’s value to the club is immeasurable. While he is still playing at a high level on-field, his willingness to educate and mentor our younger players has been equally valuable,” McKenzie said.

Luke Breust has resisted the temptation to play elsewhere and will be a Hawk until at least 2024. Picture: Getty Images

“We’re very pleased that he has been quick to confirm his commitment to the club’s future, which we think is a broader reflection of how the playing group feels about the direction we are going.

“As a three-time premiership player, Luke has already made an immense impact on the club with his own achievements in his own right.

“But he is just as determined to now help to build towards our next period of success.”

All-Australian forward Jack Gunston headlines the remaining out-of-contract Hawks, which includes Tyler Brockman, Emerson Jeka, Seamus Mitchell and Jack Saunders.

Gunston, like Breust, is on the wrong side of 30 and has strong interest from Brisbane as Daniel McStay’s replacement, but has previously shown a preference to finish his career in brown and gold.

He kicked 32 goals in 16 matches this year.