Hawks veteran Luke Breust has opened up about his role and the future of Hawthorn in their rebuild under coach Sam Mitchell.
The 31-year-old opted to stay with the Hawks despite rival clubs' interest, and now remains the only 2015 premiership player on the list, following the departures of close-friend Jack Gunston and the retiring Ben McEvoy.
"Being a one-club player is huge on my list, it was a pretty easy decision, in the end, to stay and help these young guys evolve," Breust said, speaking on RSN Breakfast Club.
"I'll be staying in the forward line, I've absolutely loved kicking goals for the Hawthorn footy club."
Hawthorn have committed to a full rebuild, having let experienced midfielders Tom Mitchell and Jaegar O'Meara leave in the trade period alongside Gunston.
While the Hawks list is young, Breust is excited about the quick progress the club can make.
"It is challenging, but at the same time I think it's a bit of a release of shackles, no pressure, and let's now move as quickly as we can," he said.
"It's the young talent (that excites me). The Dylan Moores and Jai Newcombes that are starting to become more well-known players in the AFL... they'll jump up.
"I've got no doubt that in two years we'll have guys that will become household names."
Withย McEvoy calling time on his career, a new leader is set to be chosen at Hawthorn. Breust backs defender James Siciliy for the role, but loves how the club has developed their young group's voice.
"The best thing we did last year was six or seven guys under (Siliciy), we started to drive their leadership and make sure that they were going to be the next leaders of the footy club," said Breust.
"Names like Mitch Lewis, and Dylan Moore, James Worpel โ these sort of guys, it's really their footy club now.ย
"I'll be doing everything I can to help these guys out, whether it's from a leadership point of view or footy specifics."
A new wave of talent is set to arrive at Waverly Park with the Hawks holding Picks 6, 24, 41, 48, 50, 52 and 65 in this year's NAB AFL Draft.
Hawthorn fielded the second-youngest list in the AFL last season, but will only get younger after this off-season's dramatic list changes.
