HAWTHORN forward Paul Puopolo has committed to a one-year contract extension which will keep him at Waverley until the end of 2019.

Puopolo has been a staple of the Hawks’ forward line since being selected as a mature age recruit with Pick 66 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.

Hawthorn GM - Football Graham Wright said it was terrific to secure Puopolo for another season.

“Paul has been a vital part of our side for a number of years now and we love the intensity he brings to the team,” Wright said.

“Poppy works as hard defensively as he does offensively, and that pressure is what makes him such an important player for us.

“Regardless of the opponent or game, you always know Poppy’s work rate will be there and we’re very happy to have him continue on in the brown and gold for season 2019.”

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The 30-year-old is one of the best pressure players in the game and is renowned for his tackling, laying 73 tackles this season at an average of 4.1 per game.

Arriving at the Ricoh Centre from Norwood in South Australia, Puopolo was determined to make it to the AFL after being overlooked in multiple drafts before being selected by Hawthorn.

Puopolo, a three-time premiership player with the Hawks, will enter his ninth season at Hawthorn in 2019.

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