HAWTHORN utility Shaun Burgoyne says it’s a privilege to play for Hawthorn as he signs a new one-year deal to extend his playing career beyond 2013.

Burgoyne has become a key part of the Hawks since crossing from Port Adelaide at the end of the 2009 season, adding to the increasing group of versatile players at the fingertips of Coach, Alastair Clarkson.

He arrived at the Club as a silky midfielder known as a clearance specialist, but he has since added two other strings to his bow at the Hawks – as a silky defender capable of pushing forward with great effect.

The 30 year old walked into a team already with at least three clearance specialists, with fellow midfielders Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell but says the transition to his new club at the end of 2009 was a seamless one.

He says the culture within the inner sanctum of Hawthorn and the mateship between the playing group has left a lasting impression, one he continues to enjoy.

“It’s been a great move, my wife and kids have thoroughly enjoyed the Hawthorn club environment,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“We’ve played some really good footy and I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been a really easy club to transition into.

“They had built a great culture when I got here; they welcomed me and my family with open arms.

“I’ve been fairly lucky I’ve been able to transition into the team without too much of a hiccup. Around the Club, the guys really enjoy each other’s company and that’s why I look forward to coming to training every day.”

He says it is that culture and the success of the group both on field and off makes it a privilege to be part of the family club.

“I feel very privileged to be part of Hawthorn; it’s a great club with a great tradition and history,” he said.

“I’m quite humbled to be out there on the field with a great bunch of guys.”

The silky utility has spent more time up forward this season than at any point in his career, having kicked 14 goals in 2013.

Predominantly a midfielder at Port Adelaide, Burgoyne is now one of a number of Hawthorn players with the ability to play in a variety of roles, along with skipper Luke Hodge and forwards Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead.

He says he has enjoyed playing in a variety of roles for his coach and his team and relishes the feeling of never knowing where on the ground he might end up next.

“I came in and just fit into the structures already in place and played forward, midfield and back,” he said.

“I was predominantly a midfielder when I came, but I’ve enjoyed my new role in being able to play all over the field.

“I’ve played a variety of different roles and I’ve really enjoyed that, it’s been a good ride so far.

“We’ve got a number of players in the team in ‘Hodgey’, Cyril, Sewell, Rough and even ‘Bud’ goes up on the ball, we’ve got a good mixture of players who can mix it up and I quite enjoy that.

“It’s been great to change it up, it keeps you on your toes – it never gets boring because you have to be on your toes even in meetings as well during the week.”

Burgoyne will turn 31 in October and will be 32 when this new deal expires, but given the form he has shown this season, he’s showing no signs of slowing down - he has played in every game this season aside from missing two through suspension.

He will play his 250^th AFL game at some stage next season, but he says he’s just taking it one year at a time and is hoping to achieve sustained success with the Hawks.

“It’s great to agree to terms; to have another year at this club is amazing. It means I’ll spend at least five years here, we’ll take it one year at a time,” he said.

“Every game is a lucky one because you never know when your last one is going to come.

“We’re really building something special here and hopefully we can build something that has sustained success over the years.”