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Brisbane veteran Jack Gunston is keen to return to Hawthorn after one season

Jack Gunston could leave Brisbane after just one season, looking to return to Hawthorn in the twilight of his AFL career. Credit:
Dylan Burns/AFLPhoto

Brisbane Lions striker Jack Gunston has officially asked the AFL to return to Hawthorn.

The 31-year-old spent just one season in Brisbane after joining coach Chris Fagan at the Queensland club as a free agent.

The pair previously worked together at the Hawks, where Gunston was instrumental in the club’s treble.

Gunston has one year left on his contract with Brisbane, who confirmed the player’s desire to return to Hawthorn on Friday. “While understanding Jack’s situation, as a player under contract, the club is assessing his position and will consider its options,” the Lions said in a statement. Gunston made the sensational move away from Brisbane’s senior squad to complete a private training stint midway through the year.

He returned for rounds 17 to 22, but was overlooked for finals selection as the Lions eventually finished four points behind Collingwood in a thrilling season decider.

In June, shortly before Gunston retired from playing, he questioned whether Brisbane’s style of play would suit his game.

“I played 12 years at Hawthorn and I know every style, every way they (teammates) turn and kick,” he told the AFL website.

“I’ve only played 11 games and I’m still learning and working on how the players turn, how they move and what types of kicks they make and look for. “It will probably never be perfect, but we are slowly building chemistry.”

Gunston, who turns 32 next week, began his career at Adelaide in 2010 before joining Hawthorn, where he became an All-Australian (2018) and won the best and most successful awards. first degree (2020).

The 242-game veteran has led the Hawks three times

If Gunston returns to the club, he will again work under former premiership teammate Sam Mitchell, who enters his third year as leader of Hawthorn’s rebuild following the takeover coaching rights from Alastair Clarkson.

In other business moves, Essendon have submitted paperwork to sign restricted free agent Jade Gresham from St Kilda.

This deal would allow the Saints to receive a compensatory pick at the end of the first round.

Fremantle are said to be looking at Collingwood’s future first-round pick as part of a deal to give energetic striker Lachie Schultz his desire to join the Magpies in his trade.

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