VETERAN Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell will play on in 2015 after penning a one-year contract extension.

The dual premiership player signed a one-year deal at this time last season and after another brilliant season in which he was named All Australian, had no hesitation in agreeing to terms on another contract.

“We’ve got a great bunch of guys here, I’ve enjoyed being part of the footy club – I’ve been here for a long time, it’s like a second home in a sense,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

The 31-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down in extending his career into a fourteenth season, with another strong pre-season under his belt.

“I’m feeling pretty good, I’ve gotten through most of the pre-season unscathed. It was good to get most of the training in,” he said.

“I’ve played in all the practice games so far and hopefully I’ll continue on that path. I’m in a pretty good place and ready for the start of the year.”

Despite being one of the Hawks’ most experienced players, Mitchell’s work ethic and ability to continue improving his game means he could yet still have a more to offer the brown and gold.

A damaging midfielder best known for being one of the best stoppage players in the competition, Mitchell last year added a new string to his bow by playing across half back for large portions of the season.

Despite spending less time in the midfield to which he has become accustomed, he still managed to average 28 disposals and 4.4 clearances.

He was ranked number one at the Club for disposals, contested possessions, clearances and centre clearances, second for rebound 50s and third for forward 50 entries and finished third in the Club’s best and fairest.

The midfielder says he expects to play in both positions again in 2014.

“I’m happy to play in either position now,” he said. “Probably at this time last year I hoped I was midfield and ended up back a little bit but now I’m much more comfortable in both positions.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with Luke Beveridge (defensive coach) learning half back last year and I’ve continued to do that this pre-season.

“I expect to play in both roles. I enjoy the variance in roles and being able to do different things, I think the strength of the team is just that with guys like Roughead going midfield and forward and myself midfield and back; I think it helps us as a side to be a bit more unpredictable.”

Mitchell says he has been impressed with the attitude of his teammates towards pre-season following last year’s premiership success.

He believes the team is well placed for 2014.

“I think sometimes you expect it from the young guys that they’re going to be really keen and try and take their opportunities but I’ve been really impressed by some of the older guys,” he said of the pre-season.

“They’ve really come back with a good attitude and not resting on anything we’ve done in the past.

“They’re ready to give it another crack this year to see if we can get into the top four and get another chance to win some silverware.”