Hawthorn star Luke Breust cannot wait to pull on an Allies jumper for the one-off return of AFL's State of Origin next week.
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The Temora footballer will be one of two AFL Riverina products set to line up for the Allies in the bushfire relief fundraiser at Marvel Stadium next Friday night.
Cootamundra's Isaac Smith, a teammate of Breust at Hawthorn, has also been selected by All Stars coach John Longmire.
The game is set to feature the AFL's biggest names with the likes of Dusty Martin, Patrick Dangerfield, Nat Fyfe and Patrick Cripps all set to take part.
Breust is looking forward to the special occasion.
"I can't wait to play alongside some of the game's greats and watch how they prepare," Breust said.
"Hopefully Isaac and I can use our connection to kick some goals for the All Stars."
Breust said the most important aspect of the game was the opportunity to raise funds for those affected by the bushfires.
"To be able to play in a game supporting such a worthwhile cause is the best thing about being selected," he said.
"I've been fortunate enough to go into some of the affected communities and the stories are just devastating.
"To give something back is a great feeling."
Breust, ironically, attended the last time the AFL played State of Origin in 2008 when Victoria took on the 'Dream Team'. It showcases how far he's come in 12 years.
"The interesting thing about this game for me is that I played in the curtain raiser for NSW when this game was last played in 2008," he said.
"I was just a skinny kid running around in a helmet trying to get a kick."
Breust, 29, will auction off his jumper and boots from the game in a bid to raise further funds for bushfire relief.
The three-time premiership Hawk opened his 2020 campaign with three goals in Hawthorn's 21-point loss to St Kilda in the AFL pre-season competition on Thursday night.
Breust was named among the Hawks' best.
Wagga footballer Dougal Howard also impressed, in what was his first outing for the Saints after seeking a trade from Port Adelaide over the off-season.
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