Dylan Moore and teammates during the AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda in Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Hawthorn free agent Dylan Moore has inked a new contract with the Hawks, turning down rival interest to lock in his tenure at Waverley until the end of the 2026 season.

Moore was eligible to exercise his rights as a free agent in 2023 after previously being delisted by the club, with the Hawks cutting the small forward from their list in 2020 before re-selecting him through the Rookie Draft.

Hawthorn's faith in the 23-year-old has since paid off, with Moore playing 42 games in the past two seasons for a return of 53 goals.

The Eastern Ranges product, who managed a podium finish in the club's best and fairest count last year, is now set to repay the faith himself, signing a new three-year extension with Hawthorn.

The club confirmed Moore's signing on Wednesday afternoon, going as far as to say their gun forward turned down 'strong rival interest' to recommit to the club.

“I love the footy club, I love the boys here, I love the whole environment,” Moore said.

“It couldn't have been an easier decision for me – another three years, I can't wait.”

Moore was drafted to the Hawks as the 67th pick in the 2017 National Draft and made his AFL debut against North Melbourne in Round 3 of the 2019 season.

The 178cm forward is set to be a pivotal piece in Sam Mitchell's rebuild, likely rotating through the midfield as a mentor for the club's younger players.

Hawthorn will open their 2023 season against rivals Essendon at the MCG on Sunday, March 19.