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Close friends and triple-premiership Hawks Luke Breust and Liam Shiels will play their 250th AFL games together against Collingwood.

For 249 AFL games, everything Luke Breust has touched has turned to gold.

At least, that's what fellow milestone man Liam Shiels thinks.

The decorated triple-premiership Hawks were both drafted in 2008 and will bring up their 250th games together against Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday.

"He's known for being one of the lucky guys," Shiels said.

"So he could drive to Chaddy (Chadstone shopping centre), peak time around Christmas and he'll just find a park right out the front.

"Whatever he touches seems to turn to gold and that happens on the footy field as well, he always seems to pop up in the right spot.

"He's, in my opinion, the best small forward of the last decade. He's super clutch in big moments.

"We're seeing that throughout this year. If there's a goal needs to be kicked in the last quarter when the game's on the balance, he's normally the guy that steps up and kicks it."

Breust saluted Shiels, who has had to deal with being dropped and spending time in the VFL in an up-and-down personal season.

"(He's been) tested this year, but the way he's been able to respond, his ability to go back to Box Hill and have a huge impact down there, not only with the footy, but from a leadership point of view as well, that's the reason why he's getting back up into the senior side and getting his chances," Breust said.

Shiels admitted getting sent back to the lower level had been challenging but was embracing setting the standard for younger players, whether that was as an AFL starter, medical substitute or in the VFL.

"I've really enjoyed getting down to Box Hill and working with a few of the other younger guys we've got down there and just happy to play whatever role it can be to drive us to that next premiership," he said.

The clash also delivers a reunion between Hawks coach Sam Mitchell and Collingwood counterpart Craig McRae, who worked together at Hawthorn last season.

"We speak regularly," McRae said.

"I've probably spoken to him three or four times already during the season about opposition and trends of the game. He's doing a great job.

"I wish Punky Breust all the best for his 250th game and (Liam) Shiels is playing his 250th game.

"They're great people and hopefully they have a great day but obviously we get the result as well."