The futures of veteran players Luke Breust and Jack Gunston at Hawthorn are uncertain, but coach Sam Mitchell has promised to handle their situations with “grace.”
Mitchell mentioned that discussions with his former premiership teammates will start in the next two weeks as the Hawks begin planning for the next season while continuing their push for the finals.
Breust, who has scored eight goals in his last three matches after recovering from a groin injury that affected his performance earlier in the season, seemed to be in a precarious position after spending six consecutive weeks as Hawthorn’s substitute. However, he has excelled recently with quicker ball movement and collaboration with the Hawks’ young small forwards.
Gunston, 32, has been sidelined since round 17, but he was being considered for a spot in the crucial match against GWS in Canberra on Friday.
Hawthorn triple premiership forwards Luke Breust (left) and Jack Gunston are both out of contract at the end of this season. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“We haven’t made any decisions about list management yet, but we’ll be having discussions with those players in the coming weeks,” Mitchell said.
“Rob McCartney and Mark McKenzie handle that aspect of the club and will assess our plans for next year. They’ve been significant contributors and premiership players for the club. Whenever the time comes, we’ll ensure they leave with grace.”
Gunston scored three goals in Hawthorn’s six-point victory over the Giants in round 13 and played a key role in keeping star interceptor Sam Taylor occupied. Mitchell mentioned that he would consider revisiting that match-up, noting that Gunston, despite his age and experience, continues to add substantial value to the team.
Sam Mitchell says Hawthorn’s younger players like Connor MacDonald are developing faster due to a succession of high-pressure games with a top-eight spot on the line. Picture: Sarah Reed / Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“He’s been in the coaches’ box with a headset on, still contributing,” Mitchell said. “If he does play this week, he’s been doing all the necessary work, and we’re confident he’ll be able to complete the game if needed.”
Since their challenging 0-5 start, nearly every game for Hawthorn has felt like an elimination final. Mitchell suggested that the intense pressure might be accelerating the growth of his young players.
“We’ve been in a phase where every game has been crucial. With a young team, you’re trying to give them as many experiences as possible and learn quickly,” he explained. “Games that really matter are extremely valuable for the team, and since every match is keeping our season alive, we need to keep winning. Playing against a team ahead of us on the ladder gives us a chance to make up ground.”