Why Breust is "excited" for Tigers opportunityBy Kirra Imbriano
RFC website
Oct 5, 2025Recently retired Hawthorn champion Luke Breust is “excited" to be joining Richmond’s AFL coaching staff.
Breust is set to begin the next chapter of his football journey as a Development Coach with the Tigers, after calling time on his 308-game, three-premiership career, at the end of the 2025 season.
Speaking on SEN, Breust said the decision to join Richmond is filled with anticipation.
“I'm really excited about their list. I don't think anyone had them at five wins this year, everyone was predicting them to be right down the bottom,” Breust said.
“If they can nail the draft again this year...I think they've put a huge focus into the development area, so I'm looking forward to working with Jack Ziebell and Taylor Duryea to fast-track (the team's) development."
The 34-year-old will step into a Development Coach role with a focus on the forward line.
Breust brings a wealth of experience with him, from an outstanding playing career that included 308 games, five leading goalkicker awards at the Hawks, dual All-Australian honours, and the record for most games played by a rookie draft selection in AFL history.
Breust will work alongside fellow Development Coaches Ziebell (midfield) and Duryea (backs), forming a well-rounded development coaching team with more than 800 combined games of AFL experience.
“I think it's an exciting time. Hopefully, fast forward a few years, once you can get 20-40 games into some of these guys, we can start to push for Finals and challenge again,” Breust said.
Speaking on Trade Radio, Breust added he is looking forward to a reunion with Adem Yze, who was coaching at Hawthorn for nine of his 16 years (2011-2020), including as Breust’s line coach during the 2013-15 premiership era.
"I enjoyed the process, there were a few clubs I interviewed with. Ultimately, Richmond got the nod," Breust said.
"Adem Yze had been with me at Hawthorn for a while. I got a really good feeling with Richmond. I can't wait to get started at the Tigers."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1909001/why-breust-is-excited-for-tigers-opportunity
