As the Hawthorn Hawks gear up to face the Port Adelaide Power this Friday night, two players are set to reach significant milestones that highlight their incredible journeys in Australian Rules Football. Luke Breust is on the verge of becoming the ninth player to achieve 300 games for Hawthorn, a feat that solidifies the club’s position as the leader in producing 300-gamers in the league. This achievement puts the Hawks ahead of teams like Richmond and the Western Bulldogs, each with seven, and further separates them from Carlton, Geelong, and North Melbourne, who each have six players who reached this notable mark.
In his impressive career, Breust has amassed 548 goals, led the club’s goalkicking on five occasions, been honored as an All-Australian twice, and celebrated three Premiership wins. Notably, he will become the first player in Hawthorn history to reach the 300-game milestone during a Final, adding extra excitement to the occasion. His previous experiences in Finals have shaped him into a formidable competitor, and fans remember one of the most thrilling victories from 2001 against Port Adelaide, where the Hawks staged a dramatic comeback, defying expectations to win by a narrow margin.
Meanwhile, Dylan Moore is set to mark his 100th game, becoming the 150th player to do so for the club. This milestone is particularly noteworthy, considering the historical significance of reaching 100 games in the VFL-AFL. Ted Pool was the first to achieve this back in 1932, and since then, the tradition has evolved, with a significant majority of players—83 out of 149—celebrating their 100th game with a victory. With Moore’s milestone occurring in a Final, he joins a select group of players who have accomplished this feat, which has historically brought good fortune, with many enjoying a winning celebration.
Looking at the broader context of the 2024 season, Hawthorn has made an impressive leap in the ladder, currently poised to finish no lower than sixth. This year marks the most substantial improvement in the club’s history, as they have climbed at least 10 spots from last season’s 16th place. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding the team are palpable, especially following the recent attendance record of nearly 98,000 fans at the MCG, making it one of the largest non-Grand Final crowds in the club’s history.
This upcoming game also signifies a crucial moment for the Hawthorn AFLW team, which has rapidly ascended to the top of the ladder in their third season, a feat the men’s team took significantly longer to achieve. The AFLW squad’s early success suggests a bright future ahead, as they continue to build momentum. Furthermore, Blake Hardwick is set to reach his 75th consecutive game, placing him in the top tier of players for consecutive appearances, further emphasizing the club’s depth and commitment to excellence.
As the Hawks prepare to face Port Adelaide once again, their historical matchups reveal a competitive edge, having won both previous Finals encounters against the Power by a mere three points. With multiple players in top form this season, including Nick Watson, who recently joined the ranks of those scoring 20 goals, the optimism within the Hawthorn camp is palpable. Fans are hopeful that this season will not only see individual milestones but also team triumphs that will echo through the club’s storied history.