HAWTHORN’S future looks bright, with key midfielder Isaac Smith and up-and-coming speedster Billy Hartung the latest players to recommit to the club.
Smith, who was contracted until the end of 2016, has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2018.
Hartung has also signed a two-year extension, ensuring he will remain a Hawk until the end of 2017.
The duo joins Ben Stratton, Taylor Duryea, Will Langford and Kurt Heatherley, who have also recommitted to the club in the past five weeks.
Both Smith and Hartung said wanting to taste team success was a key reason behind their re-signings.
Dual premiership player Smith, 26, has enjoyed another outstanding season.
The penetrating left footer has played 22 games this season, averaging 23.3 disposals per game.
“My family have now become attached to the club and my partner’s obviously got a lot of friends around here as well. It’s a great little community,” Smith said.
“Also success is a big thing as well. We’re a successful club and everyone here is doing their bit to make sure that we’re successful and we go out and deliver on the weekends.
“I just love being at Hawthorn.”
Second-year player Hartung has enjoyed a breakout AFL season.
The Round 7 AFL Rising Star nominee has played 18 games – starting seven as the sub – averaging 16.8 disposals.
“I’m really excited about where the group is going,” Hartung said.
“Obviously we’ve had some good success at Hawthorn the last couple of years and I really want to be a part of that.
“I’ve seen the boys last year get the grand final success and I just want to be a part of that. Hopefully the next couple of years we’re still up there at the very top and I can get a taste of victory myself.”
Hawthorn’s Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright said both Smith’s and Hartung’s signings were important for the club’s future.
Smith has now played 108 games for the Hawks, after being recruited with pick 19 in the 2010 AFL Draft.
“Isaac has been exceptional since he came to the club in the 2010 AFL Draft,” Wright said.
“He’s the prototype winger for the modern game – he’s an outstanding athlete, a goalkicker, uses the ball well and runs really well both ways.
“Isaac is one of our emerging leaders and has become a hugely important part of the team. We’re rapt he’s agreed to a contract extension."
Twenty-year-old Hartung has now played 25 games in his two seasons with the Hawks.
“Billy has had an excellent second year, playing 18 games and being in line for selection every week really,” Wright said.
“He’s played that wing and half-forward role really well. As we know he has plenty of leg-speed, uses the ball well and makes great decisions.
“We’re excited with where Billy can get to with his football in the coming years.”
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