More than one of Jack Gunston's teammates wondered if he'd turn around and walk out because of their media conference surprise.

Given Gunston is not a big fan of media interviews, naturally his AFL teammates, coaches and Hawks football department staff piled into the club lecture theatre on Tuesday morning for his pre-300th game appearance.

They held up Gunston masks and roared their glee when he walked in and the trap was sprung.

"I love it – Jack Gunston masks, everyone here, wanting to go to lunch – yeah, great," he said, with absolutely no enthusiasm.

For all his reputation for being grumpy – and he had the look of a cornered man as the door was shut behind him – the gesture highlighted Gunston's lofty status at Hawthorn.

When he returned to the Hawks from a year in Brisbane and played his 250th game in 2024, Gunston figured that would be his last AFL milestone.

Instead, the 34-year-old made his second All-Australian team last year and, despite a foot injury, has continued this late-career renaissance with 54 goals in 16 games this season. Last month, his 2027 contract was also confirmed.

"There is a sense of pride that I've been able to perform and become the player in the last 50 games that I've always strived to be," Gunston said.

"But that goes to a lot of other people ... who helped me when I came back to this club, to change the way I performed, change the way I lead and act around the footy club.

"I've given a lot more back than I (did) probably early in my career."

The three-time Hawthorn premiership player said the lure of a fourth flag had kept him going.

"That's why I'm still here, that's why I'm still playing. Once you win one, win two – it's addictive," he said.

"To do it with a totally different group would be really special.

"We know our best is good enough."

Gunston had the 2023 season in Brisbane following the sudden 2022 death of his father Ray, a veteran AFL administrator.

After starting at Adelaide, he moved to the Hawks and played in their 2013-15 premiership three-peat.

His club switches have meant Gunston has played with many of the game's modern greats, prompting him to put together a team of his teammates – Andrew McLeod, Simon Goodwin, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Lachie Neale in the midfield.

The forward line was also star-studded – Jarryd Roughead, Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli, his long-time friend Luke Breust and Taylor Walker. But Brian Lake did not make Gunston's backline.

His rare media appearance, and the ribbing from teammates, prompted the obvious question – why is Gunston grumpy?

"The reason I'm moody is because of them, but that's OK," he said, pointing to the room.

"It's Nick Watson, it's Jack Ginnivan, it's Connor Macdonald ... I don't know, it's just the way I'm built."

Watch Jack Gunston's full press conference below