HAWTHORN captain Sam Mitchell has put pen to paper on a new contract committing him to the club until 2010.

The 25-year-old’s contract was not up for negotiation until the end of the year but the skipper had no hesitation in sealing the deal before time.

“It’s an exciting time to be at the club, we’ve set ourselves a path and I’m glad to have my place on the journey secured for the next couple of years,” he said.

“There is a really good atmosphere around Hawthorn at the moment, the club played finals last year and as a team we are looking forward to building on that to secure our 10th premiership.”

Senior coach Alastair Clarkson says the re-signing of Mitchell sends a positive message to the young playing group.

“We have gathered together over the last three drafts a very talented group and Sam has set a great precedent for our young kids,” Clarkson said.

“We took the decision several years ago to rebuild our club and Sam, along with the leadership group, represents the future of this proud club. He is a strong leader, has enormous drive and is respected by his peers for his commitment to the team.”

Mitchell is Hawthorn’s second major re-signing this year after Lance Franklin penned a three-year contract extension in January, also securing him to the club until 2010.