DEFENDER Matt Spangher has re-signed with the Hawks until the end of 2016.

There was no hesitation from the much-loved Hawk, whose contract was set to expire at the end of this season.

After stints at both West Coast and Sydney, the popular Hawk says he’s found a home at Waverley Park.

“I’m really excited, it’s a great result and I’m pretty pumped about it,” Spangher told hawthornfc.com.au about his new contract.

“I kind of felt (home) when I first walked in. I suppose it’s a symptom of being a bit of a footy nomad where you float around and get a bit lost but the guys here were welcoming straight away.”

It might have taken him seven years to find his way to Hawthorn after being drafted by West Coast back in 2005 but eventually, Spangher got to where he always wanted to be.

His career began just around the corner from Hawthorn, playing junior footy for Kew Rovers before moving onto the Eastern Rangers in the TAC Cup.

Back then, the young key position player hoped he would find his way to the Hawks via the draft but instead, was taken by West Coast with pick 34.

The Eagles cut him at the end of 2010 after injuries cruelled him and again, he hoped he’d find his way to the brown and gold.

He did some pre-season training with the Hawks in the view of being picked up in the draft but Sydney swooped.

“Even before I got drafted originally, Hawthorn had showed some interest,” he recalled.

“I grew up not far from here and I guess if I was going to play or if I wanted to play for a Melbourne side, Hawthorn was the obvious choice for me.

“Not only because of the location but I was lucky enough to meet a few people from here and it just seemed like a great place to be.”

Eventually, the now-27-year-old would get his wish.

He was traded to the Hawks from the Swans at the end of 2012, just weeks after the two teams played off in the grand final.

“For me it was easy, obviously it’s a two-way negotiation but I was lucky they were happy to acquire my services,” Spangher said.

“When the official opportunity came, I definitely jumped at it.”

Luckily what Spangher saw of Hawthorn from the outside, the aspects of the club that made him want to pledge brown and grown were a reality when he stepped inside the four walls of the inner sanctum for the first time.

“It’s lived up to expectations,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have played for some successful clubs who have great culture themselves but Hawthorn has that great balance of professionalism and the one and off field culture that goes a long way.

“It makes coming into the club every day all the more exciting and enjoyable.”

So when Hawthorn approached his manager with a new contract, the cult hero couldn’t wait to put pen to paper.

“There was a little bit of relief but more excitement because I can continue to do something I love doing,” he said.

“Not only that, I can do it at a club that has the opportunity for more success in the years to come.

“When he let me know there was an offer on the table, I was very, very excited.

“I feel so strongly towards the club and the group we’ve got at the moment.

“I think that’s reflective of everyone really, hence the drive for success.”