Sam Mitchell re-signs

The Hawks have confirmed that four-time Hawthorn premiership Sam Mitchell has re-signed for 2017.

Mitchell has signed a one-year contract extension that will see him play on into a 16th AFL season.

“Sam has been an integral part of our club for the past 15 years,” Hawthorn recruiting and list manager Graham Wright said.

“He plays an invaluable role for us on the field and has been in superb form across the past 18 months. But it’s also Sam’s ability to teach and help develop our up-and-coming players which has and will continue to be important.

“We are delighted that Sam has agreed to play on, and we look forward to seeing him in action in 2017.”

Mitchell is a four-time premiership player, three-time All-Australian and four-time club best and fairest.

He has played 297 matches since being recruited with pick No.36 in the 2001 National Draft.