SAM MITCHELL will play into a 16th season at Hawthorn, with the star midfielder re-signing until the end of 2017.

Mitchell's one-year contract extension was flagged last month, but finalised by the Hawks on Friday.

"It is exciting that I'm going around for another year," Mitchell told hawthornfc.com.au.

"It feels like it's my sixth one-year deal in a row. I asked them for a 'three-yearer' but they knocked that on the head pretty quickly." 

The 33-year-old, a three-time All Australian, said the way the Hawks had smartly managed him this season was a big factor in why he is playing on.

"The footy club's really good at managing some of the older guys and I'm still able to do just about all the training and being smart about when I'm a little bit sore, having a session off here or there," he said.

Hawthorn recruiting and list manager Graham Wright said re-signing Mitchell was a no-brainer. 

"Sam has been an integral part of our club for the past 15 years," Wright said.

"He plays an invaluable role for us on the field and has been in superb form across the past 18 months. But it's also Sam's ability to teach and help develop our up-and-coming players, which has and will continue to be important. 

"We are delighted that Sam has agreed to play on, and we look forward to seeing him in action in 2017."

Mitchell has played 297 AFL matches, since being recruited by the Hawks with pick 36 in the 2001 National AFL Draft.

He is averaging 29.7 disposals per game in 2016 and is set to play his 300th game against Richmond in Round 18.