'Grumpy' Gunston reaches 300 as a revered Hawk

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.

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.