Hawthorn forward Luke Breust has credited an important “pillar” in his support network while celebrating his 500th goal with 500 snags during a barbecue at Bunjil Bagora, Waverley Park, on Tuesday morning.

Breust and 10-year-old Henry have been friends since 2019, sending each other videos and text messages, whether it’s to wish each other happy birthday or a simple good luck message before a game. 

Henry also presented Breust with his 2023 playing guernsey during Hawthorn’s Family Day prior to the start of the season.

So when the star forward kicked his 500th major at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, Henry was the one person he wanted to celebrate with the most. 

“I think it was 2019 when we struck up a little connection,” Breust said.

“We exchange videos, we exchange text messages and he’s just been a little pillar in my support network over the last four years.

“I’m so proud of him, he’s growing into a great little boy.

“All the money raised today through gold coin donations will go to the Hawks Community Foundation to help with things like the blind team.

“Hopefully one day Henry can play for the Hawthorn blind team as well.”

Speaking more broadly about the milestone, Breust said it was an honour to be named among Hawthorn greats like Jason Dunstall and Jarryd Roughead who have also notched up 500 career goals.

“There are seven at Hawthorn that have done it (kicked 500 goals) and multiple that have done it across the AFL,” the small forward said.

“When you see the names that are above me on the list, you sort of pinch yourself and say geez I don’t sit comfortably anywhere near them but I’m sure down the track, I’ll reflect on it and enjoy the milestone.”

From a country lad that grew up on a farm in New South Wales to 271 games as one of the best small forwards in the AFL, Breust credited his success story to the values of hard work and dedication. 

“I’d like to think I put as much dedication as anyone into goals and doing vision on opponents and what they like to do and how they try to stop me,” the 32-year-old said.

“My reaction time is probably another thing that sets me apart.

“There’s so many things I could mention that have enabled me to have the lengthy career that I’ve had.

“I said the day that I start calling this work is the day when I probably need to give it away.

“I’ve never thought of driving to Waverley as work.

“Until that happens, I’ll be here and doing my best.”

It was a long build-up to the 500th goal itself, with Breust sitting on 499 majors for the whole week leading into Hawthorn’s clash with Port Adelaide.

It meant the nerves were at a fever pitch when the 32-year-old ran out onto Adelaide Oval.

“It was nice to get it (the 500th goal) on the weekend,” Breust said.

“After the first two hit the post, I was a little nervous.

“Fortunately, the next one was on the run and a bit more instinctive so I got it to sail through.”

Coming into the league with Pick 47 in the 2009 Rookie Draft, Breust now finds himself as the most experienced player on Hawthorn’s list.

The veteran forward said he is enjoying the challenge of leading a young group this season, having stood in as captain during Hawthorn’s 55-point loss to Port Adelaide. 

“I’m really enjoying this year,” Breust said.

“I think the growth that we’ve already had this season has been significant.

“You fast forward another 20 or 30 games into these guys and I think you’ll start to see some serious players in the competition.

“You’ll see some guys start to elevate themselves, go from being B graders to A graders and take this club to where they need to go.”