Retiring Hawk Luke Breust has played his final game in the brown and gold after suffering a season-ending ACL/MCL knee injury.

The 34-year-old’s right knee became twisted while laying a tackle during the second quarter of yesterday’s VFL Preliminary Final.

Subsequent scans revealed the extent of the injury, drawing to a close one of the greatest careers in Hawthorn colours.

Breust hangs up the boots as the third-most capped Hawk in club history, following 308 games for Hawthorn over 15 years.

Along with three premierships, the former rookie-draftee was twice an All Australian and five-times Hawthorn’s leading goalkicker.

Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney paid tribute to the retiring champion.

“Despite the abrupt and unfortunate ending, Luke should be enormously proud of committing himself completely across his incredible career, on and off the field, right up until his final moment,” McCartney said.

“Having played his 308th game in the brown and gold just a few weeks ago, Luke’s legacy as one of our club’s true greats has been etched into the history books, sitting behind only Michael Tuck and Leigh Matthews for most games played at Hawthorn.

“The club will be there to support Luke through every stage of his rehabilitation, just as Luke has been there to support so many others during his time in the brown and gold.

“Importantly, today we wrap our arms around our much loved Punky.”