jack gunston

Jack Gunston: Veteran Hawk Turns Back the Clock, Reaches Milestone

Jack Gunston, a name synonymous with Hawthorn Football Club, is making headlines again in 2025. The veteran forward is not only winding back the clock with his on-field performance but also recently celebrated a significant career milestone, solidifying his legacy as a Hawthorn favourite.

Gunston's Return to Form: Vintage Vibes at the Hawks

After a brief stint with the Brisbane Lions, Jack Gunston's return to Hawthorn in 2024 was widely celebrated by fans. While his first season back saw him contribute a respectable 29 goals, 2025 is shaping up to be a true renaissance for the three-time premiership player. According to afl.com.au, Gunston is displaying "vintage vibes," suggesting a return to the form that made him one of the league's most dangerous forwards.

This resurgence is particularly noteworthy considering Hawthorn's overall performance. While they enjoyed a strong finish to 2024, storming into the finals, some observers felt they hadn't quite reached those same heights in the early part of 2025. Gunston's contribution is helping to reignite that spark.

500 Goals and Counting: A Milestone Moment

Adding to the excitement surrounding Gunston's return to form, he recently achieved the incredible milestone of kicking 500 career goals. Fox Sports highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting how "fitting" it was to see the Hawthorn favourite reach this mark.

Recent Updates: Gunston's Impact in 2025

• Round 8, 2025: Gunston reaches 500-goal milestone against Richmond.
• Early 2025: Reports emerge of Gunston displaying "vintage vibes" and a return to top form.
• 2024 Season: Gunston returns to Hawthorn, kicking 29 goals.
• 2023 Season: Gunston plays for the Brisbane Lions.
• Pre-2023: Gunston enjoys a celebrated career with Hawthorn, including three premierships.

Contextual Background: A Hawk Legend's Journey

Jack Gunston's journey to becoming a Hawthorn legend is a story of talent, hard work, and dedication. Before joining the Hawks, Gunston was drafted by the Adelaide Crows. However, it was at Hawthorn where he truly blossomed.

During his initial tenure with the Hawks, Gunston played a pivotal role in the club's dominant era, securing three premierships. He also earned individual accolades, including All-Australian selection and leading Hawthorn's goalkicking on multiple occasions. As noted on the Hawthorn Football Club website, 2024 marked the return of "one of Hawthorn's favourite sons."

His brief stint with Brisbane in 2023, following a celebrated 211-game career with Hawthorn, saw him add experience to their forward line, after kicking 430 career goals as a three-time leading goal kicker for the Hawks.

Gunston's return to Hawthorn wasn't just about on-field performance. As reported by afl.com.au, he also played an important role in mentoring young players, such as Calsher Dear, and even assisted in coaching the Hawthorn AFLW team. This highlights his commitment to the club beyond his own playing career.

Immediate Effects: Impact on Hawthorn and the AFL

Gunston's resurgence has several immediate effects:

• Boost for Hawthorn: His experience and goalkicking ability provide a significant boost to Hawthorn's forward line.
• Mentorship for Young Players: His presence is invaluable for the development of younger players within the team.
• Increased Fan Engagement: Gunston's popularity and history with the club generate excitement and engagement among Hawthorn supporters.
• Inspiration for Veterans: His performance serves as an inspiration for other veteran players in the AFL, demonstrating that age is no barrier to success.

Future Outlook: What's Next for Gunston and the Hawks?

Looking ahead, the future appears bright for both Jack Gunston and the Hawthorn Football Club. While it's impossible to predict the future with certainty, several potential outcomes can be considered:

• Continued Strong Performance: If Gunston can maintain his current form, he will be a key contributor to Hawthorn's success in 2025 and beyond.
• Leadership Role: As one of the most experienced players in the team, Gunston is likely to take on an increasingly important leadership role, both on and off the field.
• Further Milestones: Gunston has the potential to reach further milestones, such as climbing higher on the all-time goalkicking list.
• Hawthorn's Contention: With Gunston's help, Hawthorn could become a genuine premiership contender in the coming years.

It's worth noting that Gunston's commitment to helping develop younger players suggests a long-term vision that extends beyond his own playing career. This selfless attitude could see him transition into a coaching or mentoring role within the club in the future.

Unverified Information and Further Considerations

While the information presented above is based on verified news reports and official sources, it's important to acknowledge some unverified information and potential areas for further consideration.

• Hawthorn's Overall Performance: Some sources suggest that Hawthorn's early-season form in 2025 didn't quite match the heights of their impressive end to 2024. While Gunston's performance is undoubtedly a positive, it's important to consider the team's overall progress and development.
• Gunston's Longevity: While Gunston is currently enjoying a resurgence, it's important to acknowledge the physical demands of AFL football and the challenges of maintaining peak performance as a veteran player.
• The Evolving AFL Landscape: The AFL is a constantly evolving league, with new strategies, tactics, and players emerging all the time. Hawthorn and Gunston will need to adapt to these changes in order to remain competitive.

Conclusion: A Legacy Continues

Jack Gunston's story is a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and a love for the game. His return to form, coupled with his recent milestone achievement, has reignited the passion of Hawthorn fans and solidified his place as a true legend of the club. As he continues to wind back the clock, Gunston's impact on Hawthorn, and the AFL as a whole, is sure to be felt for years to come. His story serves as an inspiration to players and fans alike, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.