With the rapid decline of the Hawks in recent years, its easy to forget the stars that still contribute for the brown and gold each week.
And one of those stars should be on the radar of every club in the competition come this season’s trade period.
Somehow after 242 games, 432 goals, three premierships and nine of his ten seasons kicking more than 30 goals, fans have forgotten just how good Luke Breust is.
And as the Hawks launch into a rebuild, Breust should be the target of every AFL club in the land.
His don’t-argue alone should be enough to be on the radar, it’s the best in the competition. Yes, you read that correctly, Richmond fans.
Think about it: a club chasing a winning culture in their rebuild could use his services. And a club in the window needing an impressive finisher could most definitely use him.
By the time the silly season comes around, the power forward will have turned 31, leaving plenty in the tank for a change of scenery.
(Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Looking at both end of the spectrum right now, let’s compare both the first-placed seed at this point in time (Melbourne) and the last (North Melbourne).
While their back line earns the credit it most certainly deserves and the Dees sit pretty atop of the AFL ladder with just two losses, Melbourne’s forward line still leaves plenty to be desired.
With just one premiership in the last six decades, the Demons also don’t have a wealth of premiership-winning experience.
His addition would be two-fold on the surface, but a premiership-defining move behind the scenes.
Now let’s take a look at North Melbourne at the other end.
Admittedly, the Roos have made inroads in recent weeks, claiming a win over the Suns and sneaking away with a draw against the Giants.
But they could definitely use a three-time premiership player to guide the young crop they’re building.
North Melbourne – albeit at the bottom of the table – are probably not a prime example. The Roos’ decline in performance may be concerning on the surface, but as history has shown us with Brisbane, if a club gets a crop of kids all around the same age, the rise often comes in a rapid way.
However, for discussion’s sake, the Roos – given ladder position – will be used.
All the premiership experience aside, North Melbourne are in desperate need of a forward.
Breust has 24 goals to his name at this point in the season, on track to kick 30 goals again, making it ten from 11 seasons.
Forwards that consistent don’t come around often and if the Hawthorn decline could demonstrate anything of Breust, it could imply that his consistency shows he has the ability to perform in a winning team and a losing team.
Using Melbourne and North Melbourne for discussion’s sake makes for an interesting concept.
But imagine he returns home to his home state of New South Wales and joins up with the Giants. Breust and Toby Greene in the same forward line? Get the popcorn ready.
Or he could join the fellow Harbour City side with Tom Papley, Lance Franklin, Isaac Heeney and Breust all kicking goals. It would be hard not to consider the Swans a premiership fancy.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
A Luke Breust type is the least required player at the Lions.... We currently have Charlie Cameron, Dayne Zorko, Zac Bailey, Lincoln McCarthy, Keidean Coleman, Jarryd Berry currently playing who play that role...... And then we have Cameron Rayner currently in the rehab group getting himself ready for next season. While Luke Bruest has been a great player, he's not what the Lions are looking for. Could be a good target for a Adelaide / North / Suns type team.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
You are a hard man, but I love your style.
.kraM
Roar Rookie
Elite dud
Aransan
Roar Rookie
Is he a leader? Hodge was invaluable late in his career for a young club. Otherwise his new club would just be holding up the development of one of their players and limiting their options at the draft. Possibly a club with a very narrow premiership window with a specific need?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Under-rated (as demonstrated by your comment) and not in the top 100 paid players. Try again, Mr Wrong.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Could not agree more. But not every player at every club falls into that category easy.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
He’s not exactly elite is he…
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
You tell me & we will both know!
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
I have to argue with you're best don't argue assessment. Cunnington has the best don't argue. Meanwhile, if Hawthorn's seemingly endless years in the wilderness are to end abruptly, I don't think Breust is standing in the way.
Luke
Guest
To those who I think that he’s worth nothing, remember that Geelong picked up Higgins for pick 30 and he is 33. Plus Breust is a 2 time all Australian and still has plenty left in him. For me, he is better suited to a Gold Coast or a premiership contender trying to top up. I’m saying that, he isn’t worth a first round pick, but an early to mid second
.kraM
Roar Rookie
And there’s a reason Hawks delisted him
Bruce
Guest
Maybe geelong will take him. He's a champion classy small fwd and could move straight into the cats old age home.
Breust at Richmond don’t want him don’t need him kidding yourself we have enough average oldies
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
I agree with Chuck. Clubs don't normally give up much for 31 yo players. I think the best value Hawthorn will get out of him is to keep him & healthy & kicking goals for a couple of more seasons. He has won his premierships so I would not imagine he is desperate to get to club that might or might not stay in the premiership window. Sometimes, ageing players have to take pay cuts to get to these clubs.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
They got 198cm Kaiden Brand for nothing when Hawthorn delisted him.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
No way. Cognilio is overpaid & over-rated.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
So glad the Pies didn’t get Gunston.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Three 23yo Bruests would equal the value of Coniglio.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I don’t think Breust will be worth enough at the trade table. The Hawks should look at one of Tom Mitchell, Or jaegar o meara to trade out. You might get a first round pick or two out of them.
Mooty
Roar Rookie
Or he can stay and be a one club player, which is becoming a bit of a rarity nowadays.