Hawks champion, Shane Crawford, has signed a one year extension to his playing contract with the Hawthorn Football Club.

The former Hawks captain was delighted to finalise contract negotiations with the Club, which will see him play with the Hawks until at least the end of the 2008 season.

Crawford has had an outstanding season, returning to full fitness after struggling with a shin injury for most of 2006. Having played every game this season bar Round 1 (suspension), the former Brownlow Medalist told hawthornfc.com.au he is still enjoying his footy and feels he has plenty to give the club and the team in 2008. 

“It’s very exciting. I’m rapped to be involved with the Club for another year. I have thoroughly enjoyed this year and I feel as if I can still contribute. The biggest decision was whether I could still have a really good involvement – and I definitely think I can.

“The guys have really supported me and all encouraged me to go on – and that’s really important to me” he said.

Crawford has been encouraged by the significant advances many of the young players around the Club have made this season and is excited about what this season and the seasons ahead might bring to the Hawthorn Football Club.

“One of the benefits getting a couple of low picks in the draft is we can give the young boys a bit of time to find their feet and now we are really reaping those rewards. We have a great mix of experience at the Club at the moment. We’re definitely a side that is going to be around for the next few years. It’s a really exciting time for the football club.”

The 33 year-old has been in stellar condition this season, with constancy as ever the key to the contribution he has been able to make to the Club’s success this season. As Crawford eyes his 16th season of AFL football in 2008, he believes his body is holding up well and he is determined to have a significant impact.

“The body had a big bearing on whether I would continue. I’m very lucky my body is holding up really well.

“I’m feeling really good during games and pulling up well afterwards. Hopefully I can still play a role that is very important to the side this year and going forward.”