Hawthorn midfielder Josh Ward has been rewarded for his impressive form with a four-year contract extension, penning a new deal until the end of 2029.
Ward, who will hit free agency at the completion of his new contract, has taken his game to new heights in 2025, playing predominantly wing, averaging 21.8 disposals, 3.4 marks, 3 tackles and 3.5 clearances.
The former Pick 7 has shown glimpses of his brilliance amid an inconsistent start to his AFL journey, having never played over 16 matches in any given season, which is expected to be topped this year.
Ward's trademark gut-running and elite foot skills have become an asset for the Hawks and Sam Mitchell, and his new contract reflects that.
"Wardy has blossomed into an important cog within our senior side following an impressive second half of last season, where he played in both our finals," Hawthorn National Recruiting and List Manager Mark McKenzie said.
"Since being drafted as a talented youngster, Wardy has been among our hardest workers at the club, leaving no stone unturned in his desire to become a top-line midfielder.
"With his elite endurance and running capabilities, Wardy has demonstrated what his damaging best can look like, and I'm sure the Hawthorn faithful are excited about what he can deliver for our club over the next few years."
Winger Massimo D'Ambrosio also put pen to paper, adding another three years (2028) in the brown and gold.
D'Ambrosio has rarely missed a game since crossing from Essendon ahead of the 2024 campaign, utilising his lethal left foot and smart running to find plenty of the football.
"We knew the sort of character Massimo was when we brought him to our club, and his strong run of form has just solidified our belief in the player he will be for Hawthorn for many years to come," said McKenzie.
"While Massimo is widely celebrated for his elite ball use, what's really impressed us is his ability to add further layers to his game, including his contested and defensive abilities, making him an incredibly versatile player.
"Having only just turned 22, Massimo has a very bright future in the brown and gold and will be an important piece of our club going forward."
Hawthorn has also locked away developing defender Noah Mraz, who has penned a new two-year extension to keep him in the brown and gold until the end of 2028.
Mraz joined the Hawks with Pick 35 in last year's draft, and has shown tremendous potential in the VFL across 10 outings.
"What Noah has shown inside his first 12 months at the club gives us great confidence in the sort of player he can be for Hawthorn in the years to come," McKenzie said.
"Along with his aerial impact and natural competitive instincts, Noah is a diligent young man with a strong mindset and character that we think will help him reach his potential as a long-term prospect in the brown and gold.
"Naturally, given he only turned 19 this year, we know that the development of key-position players like Noah does take some time, so we're excited to be investing into his future with this new deal."
After enjoying a week off (mid-season bye), the Hawks will venture down to their home away from home (UTAS Stadium) to host North Melbourne in Launceston.
Mitchell's men sit precariously in fifth position, which is only one victory ahead of Gold Coast in ninth.
