HAWTHORN Captain Luke Hodge has signed a one-year contract extension.

After signing a one-year deal in April this season, Hodge and the Club have agreed to terms to extend the skipper’s career until at least the end of 2015.

Hodge had one of his best seasons in 2013, leading the Hawks to its eleventh premiership and finishing fifth in the Club’s best and fairest, the Peter Crimmins Medal but it was his courage and ability to lead by example both on the field and off it that shone.

It was a welcome change for the 28 year old, who endured calf and knee injuries that cruelled his year in 2012, restricting him to just 10 games.

But, after playing 23 of a possible 25 games in 2013, Hodge and the Club were quick to secure his playing future beyond the end of next year.

“After 2012 with my knee, both the Club and I wanted to make sure that, rather than signing a longer deal, we’d kick it off with a year and then see how it pulls up and if I can get through games,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“We could tell very early on that it was no problems so the Club had confidence in me and in my body and so did I, so we thought we’d get it out of the way and tick off the new contract this off-season.”

Hodge’s knee concerns are in the past and although getting back into training takes some getting used to, the skipper is fit and ready to attack another pre-season.

“The amount of work you do away from the footy club you might go for a run or a kick for an hour and a half but when you’re back fully at the Club, training is a full day so it takes you a week or so to get used to it,” he said.

“(But) I’ve gone through and ticked all the boxes, met all the targets that were set for me, so that’s a good sign.”

Currently in South Africa for a pre-season training camp with his teammates, Hodge has been impressed with the attitude and fitness levels of the players.

He says despite winning the premiership just over two months ago, he can already see the hunger within the group for more success.

“There’s still plenty of drive in the group,” he said.

“The feeling around the place is really good – all the times for the 2km time trial were good and our skin folds are down.

“It’s always in the back of your mind that some might get a bit happy with themselves but looking at the guys, I don’t think anyone has.

“They’re driven, they’re eager to train, which is always a great sign considering it’s still only December.

“They have all obviously done a lot of work in the off-season in preparing to come back for this pre-season so we’re looking forward to a strong pre-season as long as we stay injury-free and having another crack in 2014.”

Despite losing premiership players Lance Franklin and Xavier Ellis through free agency as well as emerging midfielder Shane Savage, the Hawks are in a good position on and off the field, with a number of premiership stars and youngsters already committing to the Club.

Earlier this year premiership players Jarryd Roughead, Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Isaac Smith, Ben Stratton, Cyril Rioli, Shaun Burgoyne, Liam Shiels, Bradley Hill, Paul Puopolo and David Hale all signed contract extensions, while Grant Birchall committed to the Club long-term just last week.

Returning pair Ryan Schoenmakers and Matt Suckling also signed contract extensions as did youngsters Jed Anderson and Tim O’Brien.

Hodge says keeping this group together is important as the Club and players strive for more its twelfth premiership.

“To see ‘Birch’ sign and a few of the other younger guys sign during the year, it’s a great sign for the footy club,” he said.

“It’s difficult losing those guys (Franklin, Savage and Ellis) but we’ve brought in Ben (McEvoy) and also a few other guys through the draft, which is exciting.

“To keep this core group together will hopefully help us push further in the next couple of years.”