PAUL Puopolo's reward for his best season yet with Hawthorn is a contract extension through until the end of 2018.

The 28-year-old has kicked 32 goals from 19 games this year having added some more attacking flair to a game usually based on strong defensive actions inside the forward line.

"I was willing and happy," Puopolo told the club website when the new deal was offered. "I just want to be part of it."

Hawks list manager Graham Wright said it was terrific to secure the three-time premiership player for another season.

"Paul has been a vital part of our side for a number of years now and we love what he brings to the team with his defensive as well as offensive actions," he said.

"It's a credit to Poppy that he has improved his game every year and developed into a vital part of our forward structure with his defensive pressure, ability to mark overhead for his size and crumb the ball inside 50."

Puopolo's new deal comes 24 hours after the Hawks announced that champion trio Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne and Josh Gibson would play on again in 2017.

Originally from Norwood, Puopolo was taken by the Hawks with the 66th overall pick at the 2010 national draft and has kicked 130 goals from 130 matches.