It had become clear in recent weeks that the triple-premiership veteran,who had one more year remaining on his contract,wanted to play on for at least two more seasons beyond 2022 and was open to moving clubs.
However,Hawthorn made sure the All-Australian forward remained at Waverley by moving quickly to extend the 31-year-old’s deal for another season. The Hawks want to keep leadership on the list as they rebuild afterthe retirements of Ben McEvoy and Liam Shiels,and the prospect that Jack Gunston will leave.
Luke Breust has become a leader at the Hawks as they transition for their threepeatCredit:Getty Images
Last year,Breust considered an approach from Greater Western Sydney that came late in the trade period but decided to remain a Hawk under incoming coach Sam Mitchell.
The Hawks were open to him leaving,but the sharp-shooter and his wife could not commit to relocating at such short notice.
Breust’s form remained strong throughout 2022,and he kicked 40 goals. He has kicked at least 30 goals in 11 of his 12 completed seasons in the AFL. He won the club’s leading goalkicker for the fourth time,the 10th Hawk to achieve that feat.
He needs to kick just 19 goals in the next two seasons to reach 500 goals in his career.
Hawthorn are hopeful of retaining star forward Gunston who has received interest from other clubs including the Brisbane Lions,whileTom Mitchell is on the market.
Chad Wingard,who has just one year remaining on his contract,rebuffed an approach from Greater Western Sydney last season while Karl Amon will join the Hawks as a free agent from Port Adelaide.
Goldstein hops to it and remains a Kangaroo
Jon Pierik
North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein will play on for a 17th season at Arden St.
Kicking on:Todd Goldstein will remain at Arden St next season.Credit:Getty Images
There had been speculation Goldstein,34,would seek a fresh start,particularly as the Kangaroos are mired in a deep rebuild,but the former All-Australian has opted to sign a one-year dealand work with new coach Alastair Clarkson.
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“You are always pleased to have that[uncertainty] out of the way and can focus on going forward. For me,there was very little doubt I was planning on wanting to stay. It was just more finalising the details,” Goldstein said on Friday.
Goldstein needs five more games to become the sixth Kangaroo to the 300-game milestone.
“Todd has given his all to the club over such a long period so we are really pleased to have come to an agreement to extend his time at North Melbourne,” Kangaroos list and recruiting manager Brady Rawlings said.
“Todd is one of the all-time greats of the North Melbourne Football Club. He is the ultimate professional in the way he goes about his football,he is loved by our members and supporters and equally so by his teammates and coaches.
“We look forward to seeing him continue to lead and guide our young group,as he charges towards his 300-game milestone.”
The Kangaroos had earlier this week re-signed explosive forward Cam Zurhaar to a new two-year deal. Essendon,Fremantle and West Coast had expressed interest in him.
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