YOUNG players Brad Sewell, Rick Ladson andStephen Gilham have agreed to new two-year deals with the Hawthorn Football Club.

The trio agreed to the new contracts thisweek, securing them with the Hawks until the end of 2009.

The deals follow the early seasonre-signings of key playmaker Luke Hodge, defender Grant Birchall and ruckmanMax Bailey.

Sewell, 23, one of the Hawks most improvedplayers over the past two seasons, said he was excited by the young list’spotential for development over the next few years.

“Hodgey set the tone early in the year bycommitting to the club and that sent a strong message to the other players,”Sewell said.

“The team is now starting to come togetherand get a taste of what is ahead for our future.”

The signing is a credit to the work ethicof the midfielder who began his career on the Hawks rookie list in 2003. Hemade his senior debut the following season as a defender, but struggled with injuryand consistency. He slotted into a tagging role in the latter part of the 2005season and since then his career has blossomed.

His making came last year when he finishedthird in the club champion award, the Peter Crimmins Medal. Playing a moreattacking role in midfield, he has continued to excel with his ability to getthe ball and dispose of it skilfully.

“He’s had a terrific season, he’sprogressed enormously,” Hawthorn football operations manager Mark Evans said.

Ladson and former Port Adelaide defenderGilham have entrenched themselves in Hawthorn’s back-six this season.

Selected at No.16 in the 2001 NAB AFLNational Draft, Ladson made his senior debut in 2003 after an unlucky run withinjury.

The 23-year-old enjoyed an injury-free 2006after battling arm, wrist and ankle problems. He played every match, playing inmidfield, up forward and as hard-running defender.

“I’m really happy to have signed a newcontract with the club and glad to do it now and get it out of the way andconcentrate on the second half of the season,” Ladson said.

“We are developing a really close group andthere’s just this sense of positiveness around the club at the moment.”

Gilham, 22, was a rookie-list player withthe brown and gold last season, and was elevated to the senior list for thefinal four matches.

He played one senior game in three years withPort Adelaide after being a second-round selection – No.16 overall traded by Carlton for BarnabyFrench - in the 2002 NAB AFL National Draft.

The former Oakleigh Charger had a frustratingrun with injuries at Port, including a 10-week stint with a groin ailment,followed by an injury to his AC joint.

“After spending time in Adelaideit has been great to be home in Melbourneand I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last two years here at Hawthorn,” Gilham said.

“I’ve been fortunate to play all 12 gamesso far this year and I’m learning a lot every week.”

Evans said the club was excited about thethreesome’s commitment. He said there would be more players putting pen topaper over the coming weeks.

“We’re always talking to managers. We’vegot some discussions going at the moment,” he said.

“Everyone is happy with the direction theclub is taking, and seeing a large group of players commit is great as well.”