HAWTHORN small forward Luke Breust says he's determined to step up his leadership role to help the Hawks deal with a raft of injuries to key players.
Four Hawks stars are facing extended spells on the sidelines, while suspended vice-captain Jarryd Roughead will also miss Saturday night's top-of-the-table clash against Port Adelaide.
Football manager Chris Fagan nominated Breust among the Hawks who have the chance to "show more leadership" in their absence and he's set to shoulder more responsibility in the forward line, particularly with Roughead out of the side.
"I've been really working hard on that this year," Breust told AFL.com.au.
"It's my fourth year at the top level. My first couple of seasons I probably was pretty quiet and just went about my role and focused on that.
"Whereas now I've been around for a little while, so they sort of expect me to direct the forward line and help guys out – like resting midfielders who might not know exactly where to be I can help them out and direct them.
"'Roughy's' been really good for me. Jack Gunston's trying to do exactly the same thing, so it will remain a focus for the rest of the year."
It's to Breust's credit that his reputation at Hawthorn has grown so quickly after he was selected with pick No.47 in the 2009 Rookie Draft.
But a fierce determination to succeed is clearly one of his greatest traits.
The 23-year-old was bitterly disappointed to kick 40.30 last year, but through sheer hard work he's bounced back to become one of the AFL's most reliable shots at goal.
Breust has booted 24.4 this season and is equal-second in the race for the Coleman Medal, one goal behind Power big man Jay Schulz.
Not since Hawks legend Leigh Matthews booted 67 goals in 1975 has a small forward won the League's goalkicking, although Breust played down his chances of etching his name into football history.
"It would be (nice), but it definitely wasn't a goal or anything at the start of the season," he said.
"I'm not really thinking about it at all. I'm sure there will be power forwards come home strong at the end of the year and one of them should take it out."
