‘Grumpy’ Gunston reaches 300 as a revered Hawk
Roger Vaughan |
More than one of Jack Gunston’s teammates wondered if he’d turn around and walk out because of their media conference surprise.
Given Gunston is not a big fan of media interviews, naturally his AFL teammates, coaches and Hawks football department staff piled into the club lecture theatre on Tuesday morning for his pre-300th game appearance.
They held up Gunston masks and roared their glee when he walked in and the trap was sprung.
“I love it – Jack Gunston masks, everyone here, wanting to go to lunch – yeah, great,” he said, with absolutely no enthusiasm.
For all his reputation for being grumpy – and he had the look of a cornered man as the door was shut behind him – the gesture highlighted Gunston’s lofty status at Hawthorn.
When he returned to the Hawks from a year in Brisbane and played his 250th game in 2024, Gunston figured that would be his last AFL milestone.
Instead, the 34-year-old made his second All-Australian team last year and, despite a foot injury, has continued this late-career renaissance with 54 goals in 16 games. Last month, his 2027 contract was also confirmed.
“There is a sense of pride that I’ve been able to perform and become the player in the last 50 games that I’ve always strived to be,” Gunston said.
“But that goes to a lot of other people … who helped me when I came back to this club, to change the way I performed, change the way I lead and act around the footy club.
“I’ve given a lot more back than I (did) probably early in my career.”
The three-time Hawthorn premiership player said the lure of a fourth had kept him going.
“That’s why I’m still here, that’s why I’m still playing. Once you win one, win two – it’s addictive,” he said.
“To do it with a totally different group would be really special.
“We know our best is good enough.”
Gunston had the 2023 season in Brisbane following the sudden 2022 death of his father Ray, a veteran AFL administrator.
After starting at Adelaide, he moved to the Hawks and played in their 2013-15 premiership threepeat.
His club switches have meant Gunston has played with many of the game’s modern greats, prompting him to put together a team of his teammates – Andrew McLeod, Simon Goodwin, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Lachie Neale in the midfield.
The forward line was also star-studded – Jarryd Roughead, Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli, his long-time friend Luke Breust and Taylor Walker. But Brian Lake did not make Gunston’s backline.
His rare media appearance, and the ribbing from teammates, prompted the obvious question – why is Gunston grumpy?
“The reason I’m moody is because of them, but that’s OK,” he said, pointing to the room.
“It’s Nick Watson, it’s Jack Ginnivan, it’s Connor McDonald … I don’t know, it’s just the way I’m built.”
AAP