Three-time premiership-winning Hawthorn star Luke Breust has announced his retirement, leaving teammate Jack Gunston and coach Sam Mitchell as the final active links to the club’s unforgettable three-peat of grand final wins.

Breust, 34, will wear the Hawthorn jumper for the 307th time in Saturday’s MCG clash with Melbourne, elevating him to equal third on Hawthorn’s all-time games-played list.

It’s a record he’ll share with Mitchell, who was a teammate in three premiership wins and is now his coach, and one he could pass should he maintain his spot as the Hawks push to the finals.

Breust is one of only nine Hawks to have played 300 or more games for the club and his 552 goals puts him seventh on Hawthorn’s all-time goalkicker list.

It brings to an end an epic career that started in the small NSW town of town Temora before he was picked up as an 18-year-old in the 2009 rookie draft.

Bruest went on to play in premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015 as part of one of the most dominant teams of the modern era.

Breust was also a two-time All-Australian and a five-team leading goalkicker at the Hawks.

He also holds the AFL record for most games played by a rookie.

“Luke’s accolades and achievements will see him remembered as one of Hawthorn’s genuine greats – three-time premiership player, twice an All Australian, five times our leading goalkicker, 550-plus total career goals, 300-plus games – Punky has done it all,” Hawthorn football boss Rob McCartney said.

“Whether it was hitting the scoreboard individually or bringing teammates into the game, Luke’s ability to contribute consistently at a high level over such a long period of time has been one of his trademark attributes.

“In recent years, his leadership, mentoring and guidance of our younger players has allowed both individuals and the team to improve. His legacy will be seen on game day for many years to come, particularly when you watch the skill and craft of our small forwards.

“In the future, Luke should sit in the stands and smile knowing he continues to be part of what we do.”

Gunston, 33 who returned to the Hawks after a short-lived move to Brisbane, has kicked 53 goals in 2025 and is set to play on into 2026 as the final active player from the premiership three-peat.