HAWTHORN sharp shooter Luke Breust has signed a two-year contract extension.
The forward still had a year to run on his contract, but Breust was keen to repay the faith the Hawks showed in him as a rookie by committing until at least the end of 2017.
"I was more than happy to (sign early); Hawthorn have been exceptional for me from the start," he told hawthornfc.com.au.
"Coming off the rookie list I've only really had one-year contracts, so they showed faith in me and I'm more than happy to show some faith back in the club and sign for a few more years.
"There are some exciting times ahead at Hawthorn."
Breust is one of several Hawks to sign contract extensions this year, joining teammates Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston, Bradley Hill, Will Langford and Angus Litherland.
He said the commitment of some of the club's emerging stars had given him confidence the Hawks were on the road to more success in the near future.
"It's great for the club and great for the players," Breust said.
"There are a lot of guys who have come through together, and being able to stick together over the last few years it means we've got a good group of emerging leaders who can step up once the older guys do finish their careers.
"There are guys who can slot into their roles as leaders and then the rest of us can continue to rise with them.
"The culture at this footy club is very good as well, so if we can keep all that together and keep the players together, I'm sure we can have continued success over the next few years.
"That's why I've re-signed. I love the guys here, everyone gets along really well, so I love coming here every day to train and try and get better."
The 23-year-old was selected by the Hawks in the 2009 NAB AFL Rookie Draft before being elevated in 2011.
Since then, the premiership Hawk has emerged as one of the most dangerous small forwards in the competition with 167 goals to his name.
After a breakout year in 2012, Breust has taken his goal kicking to another level, booting 52.10 in 2014 so far, a career best and the second most goals at the club behind Roughead.
