HAWTHORN champion Sam Mitchell is expected to continue his career for the Hawks in 2017. 

Hawks' coach Alastair Clarkson told The Footy Show on Wednesday night the 33-year-old midfielder would enter his 16th season next year.

"He'll play another year for us," Clarkson said. 

Barring injury Mitchell will reach his 300th game in round 18 at the MCG against Richmond. 

He is averaging 29.2 disposals in 2016 and remains pivotal to the success of the club.

Mitchell was captain of the Hawks when they won the 2008 premiership and a key part of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 premiership trio with Luke Hodge as skipper. 

He has won four best and fairests and is a three-time All Australian. 

The Hawks' veterans remain among their best players with Shaun Burgoyne and Josh Gibson still in great form and Hodge due to return this week against Gold Coast after injury.

Those three players are yet to commit beyond this season. 

Jordan Lewis has returned to his best form in the past six weeks, soon after turning 30 in April.

Asked if Hodge would also continue playing next year, Clarkson said "I'd be very surprised if he didn't."

Hodge is renowned for his toughness and Clarkson is not looking forward to the day when he has to tell the star that his time as an AFL player is up.

"I don't want to be the bloke who retires him - I don't know what he'd do to me," Clarkson said.

It is unclear whether Hodge will return from injury for Sunday's game against Gold Coast in Launceston.