Luke Breust: 6 things I learnt about success from 3 premierships

Here, the Hawthorn Football Club forward shares some of what he’s learnt throughout his career.

Growing up in a small country town, success for Luke meant premierships with the local footy and rugby clubs. But as he got older, a new vision – one of playing as a professional athlete – started to emerge. “You dream about it,” Luke says. “But at the same time, success [was] defined by having fun with your mates.”

In Luke’s under-18 year, a broken leg almost ended his career before it began. Fortunately, Hawthorn scouted him post-recovery. They invited Luke to spend a week training with the club; then they made the call to draft him.

Even once drafted, it wasn’t a linear progression for Luke. “In my first few years, I didn’t have a body that was ready to play AFL football,” he says. “I had two and a half years at the lower levels. I made sure I got my body right – I got a lot stronger, a lot fitter.”

Then, when the time came, Luke was ready for it. “I made sure that when I did get the opportunity to play AFL footy, I was going to grab [it] with both hands. It was a massive day, not only for myself – but my family as well.”

Luke has a deep understanding that it wasn’t just his hard work that came to fruition when he took to the field. “My family [were] more of a support team. Whether it was driving me hundreds of kilometres to local footy games, or driving me to Sydney or Melbourne to play in rep – everyone had sacrificed for me to face that dream.”

Reflecting on the challenges of performing within such a competitive environment week-in week-out, Luke recognises it can be tough. “Being dropped in the AFL system can be hard on you,” he says. “You work [so hard] to be able to get to that level, but you [can still] play a few games where your form isn’t quite right and you get dropped.”

To deal with setbacks, Luke finds it useful to take stock of the qualities that brought him this far. “Obviously, [you should] focus on the things you can improve but, at the same time, make sure the strengths you bring to the game are at the forefront of your mind,” he says. “There’s a reason you’re playing at an elite level.”

Of course, this mentality isn’t just limited to sports. By focussing on our strengths, we’re reminded of what we offer that’s unique – whether professionally or personally.

For Luke, what he’s learnt on-field has a bearing on how he approaches the rest of his life. Foremost among these lessons is an emphasis on the details – even if they seem unimportant.

“It’s putting a price on the little things, not letting them slip,” he says. “The standards you set – what’s acceptable and what’s not – can make a difference. It can be minor, trivial stuff, like wearing the correct uniform – but collectively, it adds up to a whole lot.”

“If you have a really strong culture and values, that can go a long way to being successful,” he advises.

“We came off losing a Grand Final in 2012, so motivation and preparation for the 2013 season was at an all-time high,” Luke recalls. “To work so hard and lose – it was gut-wrenching.”

After the loss, the team found a new drive. The Hawks carried this momentum through the entire 2013 season – a journey that, at times, felt endless. “The worst thing about the AFL premiership season is how long it takes to unfold,” Luke says. “You have to let it play out.”

When the team did claim the 2013 premiership by 15 points, a fourth-quarter goal from Breust played a pivotal role. “It was probably the biggest rush of adrenaline I’ve ever had,” he says of the experience. “[I’ve got] some very special memories of 2013.”

Of course, the premiership run didn’t end there. The Hawks played in four consecutive Grand Finals between 2012–15, winning three in a row. “It was pretty surreal,” Luke says of the experience. “Guys go through their whole careers without playing in a Grand Final.”

It’s a remarkable feat, considering their dominance stoked a fire in the belly of many of their opposing teams. “No matter what opposition you played, they knew they were coming up against the premiers and wanted to try and knock you off,” Luke says.

Looking back, he attributes the Hawks success to the dynamics formed within the team. “One of the biggest factors was personnel. We had such a unique group in terms of six to eight senior guys that are great leaders of the club. Coupled with a group of youthful guys with energy and spirit who we’re going to be the next wave.”

Ultimately, though, the realisation of such incredible success came down to a vision shared by the whole team. “We used to have a little poster on the wall in our team meeting room; it just said ‘You decide’,” Luke says. “It was about us deciding our fate and what history [was] going to say.”

AIA Australia is the official Life, Health and Wellbeing Partner of Hawthorn Football Club. Join AIA Health on an eligible combined hospital and extras policy and get up to $400 in Hawks Credit which can be used towards a 2022 membership.

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Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances