Star Hawk Luke Breust says he is excited about reuniting with former teammate Jack Gunston among a new-look forward line this year. 

The pair spent 11 seasons with each other in the brown and gold, prior to Gunston departing the club last year to spend a season with Brisbane. 

But now after a year apart, the duo is back together again. 

Speaking to the media on Monday, Breust said it was nice to have his good mate back training alongside him in the attack.

“From that leadership point of view it’s been nice – it’s good for the young guys to talk to the likes of me, James Sicily or the older guys, so for them to have another older head there is great," Breust added. 

"He’s got different stories, he’s got different experiences, he’s played well in finals and grand finals so he’s got so much experience and knowledge that he can pass on.

“There was a point last year where he felt like he needed a change, he’s had that change now and experienced that.

“He does seem more settled now he’s back in Melbourne – his whole life was based around here, so it’s pretty easy for him to come back and settle back in. 

“I’m looking forward to rekindling that connection in the forward line and hopefully he can have a good year."

Breust, who is amidst his 16th pre-season at the club, will play an important role a refreshed Hawks attack, which now features the likes of premiership recruit Jack Ginnivan and promising draftee Nick Watson. 

“The first thing that stands out for both of them is how our crafty they are," Breust explained. 

"I love that as a small forward you need to be crafty and get to the right spots. You have to be clean with your hands with one take – and be really clean with the footy, don’t get too many second chances to go back and get it – they know where the goals are, which I absolutely love.

"They've got a good feel for how the game is played, they've both been great for our forward line, they bring a different dimension, new ideas and knowledge so I'm really excited to play alongside those two."

With a 300-game milestone on the horizon, the 2024 season is set to be a big one off-field for the veteran too, with his partner Anthea and him expecting a baby in May.

While things may look a little different for Breust, he insists he is more excited than ever for the year ahead.

"Do I still enjoy rocking up to here every day and driving out on the Monash? The answer is yes, I have a big smile on my face," Breust exclaimed. 

"It's not hard to get out of bed, we have such a young team, so my head is in a really good spot.

"I've got some distractions this year off-field, it will be a different dynamic. My wife is due on the May 2, so around round seven or eight will be the due date.

"My stricter routine might go out of the window for game day and preparation, but I'm sure I'll work it all out."

Hear more from Breust below.